Around 60 prime stallions strutting their stuff, the weather set fine and record crowds were the perfect ingredients for a spectacular 55th annual Barley Saturday (Dydd Sadwrn Barlys) Stallion Show and Parade in Cardigan at the weekend.

A cold start to the day under leaden skies raised some concern but over the years Barley Saturday has gained a reputation as the ‘Sunshine Show’ and again lived up to its billing in pleasant spring weather.

The huge crowds thronging the streets were on a par with celebrations to mark the end of the Second World War, a civic reception accorded Grand National winning jockey Hywel Davies in 1985 and in the same year a visit by the late Princess Diana.

As shops, licensed premises and other businesses experienced soaring trade townspeople gave the event the thumbs up.

Landlord of the Lamb Inn for many years Jamie Bowen told the Tivy-Side “Barley Saturday seems to get better year after year and gives Cardigan a tremendous boost.”

Praising organisers, Mr Bowen said: “A considerable amount of hard work goes on behind the scenes from one year to the next and the likes of JJ Williams Plant Hire, Lloyd Williams, Gerwyn Williams, Gwyn Wilson, secretary Tudor Harries and the rest of the committee are to be commended for keeping the event alive and thriving.”

With exceptionally high quality horseflesh from all parts of Wales being exhibited it was hardly surprising organisers wore beaming smiles.

For the third time since the event was resurrected in 1961 there was a tie for the supreme champion award necessitating the casting vote of President Robin Davies of Robins Taxis.

The judges were unable to separate Welsh Cob Section D (four-year-old and over) winner Danaway My John owned by Peter and Jackie Denning of Woodstock in Pembrokeshire and Welsh Cob Section C (four-year-old and over) champion Swffryd Brynmor owned by Barley Saturday stalwart for many years Geraint Davies of Adpar, Newcastle Emlyn.

The President came down on the side of the Pembrokeshire stallion whose connections were winners last year with another Section D horse.

The parade through the streets was led for the umpteenth time by parade marshal and local baker Martyn Radley with a bowler on his head and carrying a walking cane.

President Robin Davies said: “This is a wonderful and unique event for this area.

“I was honoured to be president and long may Barley Saturday continue to be one of the top attractions in west Wales.”

Delighted secretary Tudor Harries said: “In an event like this you are going to have minor hiccups but from what I’ve been told everything went like clockwork and the crowds were absolutely amazing.

The 55th event was sponsored by Riverlea Tractors, Mark Jukes and Cardigan Town Council.