Garda foil alleged bareback horse thief

An attempt to steal a valuable mare from the grounds of Dublin’s annual horse show was thwarted when a passing Garda patrol spotted a teenage boy riding the animal bareback.

The horse - worth around £30,000 - was recovered and taken back to its stable in the nearby RDS showgrounds.

The grey mare was said to be none-the-worse for its experience.

The 15-year-old youth involved in the incident was questioned by police and later released into the custody of his parents.

A file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The week-long horse show - one of the most prestigious events in the country's sporting calendar - ends this weekend.