Top performances at the London Olympics, a Rolex FEI Show Jumping World Cup win, and Ireland reclaiming first place in world studbook eventing rankings, were reflected at the presentation of the Horse Sport Ireland 2012 Breeders’ Awards.

THEY come in the early morning before first light or at dead of night, armed with trucks and animal transporters.

The form of the Aidan O’Brien stable has been a concern for punters all through the week of Royal Ascot but the performance of Age Of Aquarius, though beaten in yesterday’s Gold Cup, gives rise to some hope that his top horses can produce their best form on this stage.

SHOW Jumping Association of Ireland (SJAI) Chairman Charles Hanley has denied that a purge is taking place in the association, following a number of surprise resignations.