Downhill Snowflake is the county’s top horse

Sweeping the board again at this year’s County Show was the Clydesdale horse, Downhill Snowflake.

After being named best animal in the heavy horse section, the Irish-bred seven-year-old mare went on to take the top honours in the overall horse championship at today’s show.

Shown by J.D. & D. M. Smith, Holburn, Holm Branch Road, Downhill Snowflake – who was sired by Carnaff Ambassador, and out of the dam, Garleton Betty – also won the overall yard title at East Mainland Show and has repeated her success of last year at the County.

Judge Norman Christie, of Roadside, Fintry, said: “I am very happy for them – over the moon! She is such a nice beast – I would take her home with me in a minute.

“It was magic seeing her in the harness – it was a perfect fit. She is nice on her legs; very feminine and a very good goer. It’s my first time judging here but I have enjoyed it.”

Owner Ian Smith said: “She is just unbelievable – and really enjoys it.”

Reserve horse champion was the 23-year-old Irish sports horse Gemini – owned and ridden by Jill Rendall, Wideford Villa, St Ola.

This is Gemini’s first year back in the showing circuit for some time as both herself and Jill have taken time out to have offspring!

But Gemini, who is out of Porterston Lady and by Great Hussar, would appear to be back and better than ever, clinching the overall ridden title, then the light-legged championship, before being named reserve overall.

Judges of the ridden section were Donna Mather and Beverley Hodgson.

Both agreed that Gemini had been well ridden and very well schooled.

Beverley added: “She had good conformation and nice, free movement. She has gone well all day. There was not anything not to like about her and the rider had a smile on her face all day.”

A delighted Jill said: “I did not expect it as she has been off for a while having her foal and I had my children so this is her first year back on the show scene. She just loves performing – she is a superstar!”