'Ardnacashel Monarch' shines at Balmoral
Ardnacashel's Irish Draught stallion won his Irish Draught Performance class and took Reserve Performance Irish Draught Champion
All at Ardncashel Equestrian, Comber, were over the moon to share that their incredible stallion, ‘Ardnacashel Monarch’ (affectionately known as ‘Sidney’), won the Irish Draught Performance class (Older Section) at Balmoral Show 2025 — and was then crowned Reserve Performance Irish Draught Champion!
Beautifully ridden by Emma Jackson, ‘Sidney’ delivered a faultless performance across all three phases, impressing the judges with his power, rideability and trademark elegance. With a top score of 178.5, he led a fiercely competitive field in the six-years-and-over category.
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Bred by John Joseph Trearty in Co Donegal, nine-year-old ‘Sidney’ (by Beechmore Silver Crest out of White Goose) continues to shine as an outstanding representative of the Irish Draught breed. His presence, movement and brave, scopey jump turned heads and captured hearts in front of a packed Balmoral crowd.
The Ardnacashel team was bursting with pride as he was awarded Reserve Champion in the overall Performance Irish Draught Championship — just behind the incredible ‘Two Mile Nigel’. Among a stellar line-up, ‘Sidney’ once again showed everyone why he’s such a valued member of the Ardnacashel family.
This latest result builds on his fantastic 2024 season and further establishes him as one of the country’s leading Irish Draught stallions.
Huge congratulations to Emma for her expert riding, and thank you to everyone behind the scenes who help make ‘Sidney’s’ success possible!
Team Ardnacashel couldn’t be prouder of this special boy!