Tributes have been paid to the prolific Irish sports activities horse stallion Carrick Diamond Lad, who has died aged 31.

Carrick was “a part of the household” at Greaghwillan Stud, Co. Monaghan, Eire, the place he was born in 1993. He was by Flagmount Diamond, out of Sky Field XX mare Greaghwillan Pearl.

Though Carrick by no means had a contest profession owing to a near-fatal fetlock harm he sustained as a foal, he shortly grew to become in demand, and an “distinctive sire in each manner”.

“We had critical perception in him from day one,” Greaghwillan Stud’s Tom Jones instructed H&H.

“He was a lamb. You’d by no means assume he was a stallion, he would come operating as much as you within the discipline and was simply so delicate and a loving particular person.”

A lot of Carrick Diamond Lad’s progeny have gone on to worldwide competitors success. These embody Personal Coronary heart, who was shortlisted for the Athens Olympics in with eventer Leslie Regulation, Southway, who competed to CCI4* with Sweden’s Ellen Svennerstal, and showjumper Best Diamond Clover, who competed to grand prix stage with Portugal’s Rui Goncalo.

Extra lately, horses equivalent to Carrick Diamond Bard, Carrick Best Lad, Diamond Duette, and Kiltown Watson have gone on to achieve eventing. Greaghwillan Stud additionally has two younger Carrick Diamond Lad sons, Carrick Diamond Royale and Carrick Diamonds Diamond, standing at stud.

“We now have been very lucky with Carrick Diamond Lad,” stated Tom. “We’ve offered horses all around the world; America, Kenya, UK, France, Germany, you identify it.

“He’s identified for producing eventers and showjumpers, however he additionally produces nice leisure horses. That was the fantastic thing about him, he produces horses who’re trainable and have his temperament, whether or not it’s for an expert rider or an novice – I believe that’s an incredible asset in a stallion. He actually stamped his inventory, you might decide them out like peas in a pod.”

Carrick remained “match and effectively proper as much as his passing peacefully in his secure”, and Tom stated he might be significantly missed.

“When he died we acquired messages, emails and phone calls from breeders worldwide. He’s a sire that may stay on via his many offspring,” stated Tom.

“Myself and my household had been very, very upset by his loss. We lengthen our deepest gratitude to everybody who has been a part of Carrick’s journey, specifically the workers who lovingly cared for him, guaranteeing he had the lengthy and great life he deserved.”

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H&H senior information author

Since becoming a member of H&H in 2018, Becky has lined a broad vary of equestrian information together with welfare issues, veterinary research, FEI Tribunal hearings and street security campaigns. She has additionally interviewed prime riders together with Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to call just some. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, in addition to the Royal Highland and Blair Fortress Worldwide Horse Trials nearer to house. She was additionally a key a part of the distant reporting workforce for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.