The Irish Mountain Garda (Police) were there today, doing what must be one of their most pleasant duties - they were at Thurles Racecourse to show off their Police Mounts who are Irish Draught horses. The Mounted Branch ride only Irish Draught geldings as they patrol the streets of Dublin, Sporting events and Entertainment events.

The Mounted Garda are highlight of many youngsters visits to Dublin as they are allowed to play with these horses and feed them polo mints.

The two pictured above are - pictured from left to right - Culainn ridden by Tom Grace and Fionnrua ridden by Sgt. Pat Lynch. Culainn is by Crosstown Dancer and Fionnrua is by Sandy Hill Boy.

The winner of the Irish Draught All Ireland R.I.D Mare was John Dillion's March Gold and she was bred by Allan Fitzgerald. This mare qualified for Dublin Horse Show at Ennistymon, winning her class there and again today at the National Championships, March Gold took first place. This lovely mare is by the R.I.D stallion Celtic Gold who was exported to Australia as a 4 year old. Celtic Gold jumped through to Grade A, winning the Barastoc Grand Prix Showjumping Horse of the Year in 2000. Celtic Gold returned to Ireland two years ago when his owners relocated to Ireland and he will be standing at stud in the coming season.

Class 17 was the class that we had come to watch - this was the final chance to prepare for Dublin Horse, which begins this week, and will be the first time the Irish Draught Horse is showcased under saddle. This class is for pure bred Irish Draught Mares, Stallions and Geldings.

The class was kindly sponsored by Gowla Horse Feeds and they also sponsored the Championship for the Hunter Championship which incorporated Class 17 and it was super to see Gowla's Nutritionist, Joanne Hurley at the show and in the presentations. Joanne has great experience in the field of equine nutrition and if you have questions about any of the Gowla Feeds or about improving the condition of your horse, be it for the show ring or the performance arena I have no doubt Joanne would be happy to talk to you - she is a most approachable person and passionate about getting the feeding right.

My Georgina - pictured above - is ridden by Maryann Casey from County Kildare. Maryann has been working with the 10 year old mare since her arrival back in Ireland and is delighted with her. "The mare has fantastic paces, and is incredibly trainable - to give her some relief from dressage training we tried her over the fences, and she shows fabulous technique and ability in showjumping as well" said Maryann. "The mare is now jumping 1.10m tracks for fun, as her main job is in the dressage and show rings", Maryann continued.

Maryann will be showing My Georgina, under saddle, at Dublin Horse Show on Thursday at 5.20pm in Showring 1. For anyone who has an interest in the Irish Draught Horse this class is a must!

Second place went to Jack Corrigan's Ardattin Bluebell, the 7 year old grey mare by Blue Rajah out of Huntingfield Bell View. Ardattin Bluebell was bred by Sir William Savelkouls.

Third place was Vanessa Kerr's Kenny's Guest, a lovely chestnut mare by Springpark Jack out of Rosebawn and was bred by Ian Burgess.

Fourth belonged to Mary McGarth's mare, Rosetown Annie and this 9 year old mare is by the great Irish sire, Crosstown Dancer out of Crosstown Jewel and was bred by Fintan Brannigan.

Fifth place went to Mrs Ellen Hollywood's 9 year old stallion Come T who is by Carrabawn View out of Orla.

The Champion title went to My Georgina and Maryann Casey and the Reserve went to the stallion Come T.

The Reserve Champion, Come T - pictured left - is a lovely young stallion who is already proving himself as a sire of quality young stock and he himself is showjumping.

Both these horses will be seen at Dublin Horse Show on Thursday evening at 5.20pm in Showring One, next to the International Showjumping Warmup Arena.