INISFREE THE IRON CROSS (IDC1)

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Irish Draught Stallion

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Inisfree The Iron Cross is a standout Irish Draught stallion, approved as a Class 1 Gold Merit stallion by Horse Sport Ireland — one of the highest accolades for breeding excellence in the Irish Draught world. His combination of correct conformation, substance, athletic movement, and proven progeny success makes him a sought-after sire for breeders focused on quality, performance, and lasting temperament.

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Bred on strong traditional lines, Inisfree The Iron Cross brings the classic strengths of the Irish Draught, soundness, bone, and a calm, trainable temperament, along with an athletic way of going that breeders value for sport, showing, and performance stock. His physical presence and balanced movement give his progeny the substance and scope to excel in a variety of disciplines.

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Pedigree & Classification

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• Foaled: 2014

• Colour: Grey

• Height: 167.0 cm (approx. 16.2 hh)

• Girth: 207.0 cm

• Bone: 22.5 cm

• Thoroughbred Percentage: 7%

• Sire: Inisfree The Holy Grail (IDC1)

• Dam: Inisfree Grey Knave (RID) by Annaghdown Star (IDC1)

• Classification: Class 1 Gold Merit Irish Draught Stallion (IDC1) — passed all stallion evaluation, veterinary, and x‑ray requirements

 

Inisfree The Iron Cross also comes from a strong female family. He has two full sisters who are also Class 1, and his damline has produced other high-quality stallions, reinforcing his value in breeding programs committed to substance and performance.

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Progeny Success & Achievements

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Inisfree The Iron Cross has been awarded his Gold Merit for showing progeny, an honour given to stallions whose offspring achieve multiple top championship results at major Irish Draught shows. His progeny include:

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• Gortfadda Diamonds (2021 IDC4 mare) – Champion Mare in the 3‑ & 4‑Year‑Old Mare class at the RDS Dublin Horse Show 2024

• Drumgowla Ruby Palace (2021 IDC1 mare) – Winner of the 3‑Year‑Old All Ireland Championship 2024

• Gortfadda Grails Delight (2024 ID colt) – Champion Foal in the All Ireland Mare & Foal class 2024

• Drumgowla Holly (2022 IDC4 mare) – Winner of the All Ireland Yearling Championship 2023

• Gortfadda Delight (2023 ID filly) – Champion Filly Foal at the All Ireland Mare & Foal class 2023

 

These results reflect consistent quality across different age groups and show formats, highlighting Inisfree The Iron Cross’s ability to transmit desirable traits to his offspring.

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Breed & Temperament Profile

 

Inisfree The Iron Cross exemplifies the traditional Irish Draught qualities that breeders value: solid bone, correct conformation, depth of body, and a calm, sensible nature. His offspring are noted for their substance, correct movement, and trainable dispositions — ideal for both in-hand showing and future sport careers.

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Breeding Suitability

 

He is well suited to breeders aiming to produce:

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• Irish Sport Horses with substance and scope

• Quality show horses and performance stock

• Hunters, jumpers, and Showing prospects

• All‑round versatile horses 

 

Inisfree The Iron Cross represents the enduring value of Irish Draught bloodlines — combining classic substance with modern performance potential and a proven ability to produce top-class progeny.

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Key Facts

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• Foaled: 2014

• Colour: Grey

• Height: 167.0 cm (~16.2 hh)

• Girth: 207.0 cm

• Bone: 22.5 cm

• TB %: 7%

• Sire: Inisfree The Holy Grail (IDC1)

• Dam: Inisfree Grey Knave (RID)

• Classification: Class 1 Gold Merit Irish Draught Stallion (IDC1)

• Progeny Achievements: Multiple championship winners including RDS Dublin Horse Show and All Ireland titles

• Breeding Focus: Sport, hunter, and performance stock

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