RECORDS were smashed at the Barley Saturday Show and Parade in Cardigan, and despite some concern over obtaining insurance cover, organisers forecast a bright future for the anual event.

A record 80 pure-bred stallions were on parade and the biggest turnout of vintage tractors and other vehicles were on show.

Thousands of visitors and locals lined the streets for the traditional parade.

Long-serving secretary Keith Bowen said: "The show is growing every year, and I feel sure the event is here for a long time to come.

"Today was a bit special with a bigger crowd in the town centre than for the visit of Princess Diana some years ago," he said.

Committee member Huw Davies is usually among the crowds collecting for the Riding for the Disabled Association, but this year he led the parade with the supreme show champion Trefaes Exterminator.

Huw, of Trefaes Fawr, Beulah, was exhibiting at the show for the first time with his home bred five-year-old Section D Welsh cob.

Judge Mr H. G. Williams, of Caernarfon said: "This is a superb cob and a worthy champion." After being presented with the coveted Valiant Perpetual Cup an ecstatic Huw said: "I would have been quite happy to come out on top in the cob section, but winning overall is a dream come true.

"I felt very proud leading the parade, it really was a wonderful experience."

However, the champion was pushed all the way for the title by a number of stallions in top condition, none more so than the Welsh Cob Section C winner, Tremym'r Sportsman, who is owned and shown by D. R. Jones, of Bethania, north Ceredigion.

Results:

Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A): Mrs D Bethel, Cross Foxes Stud, Cefn Triol Farm, Saron.

Welsh Pony Section B: Mrs D Bethel; 2, Harries and Wilcox, Haverfordwest.

Welsh pony cob type Section C: 1, D R Jones, Gwynfa, Bethania; 2, C Laffie, Menai Stud, Llandysul; 3, Geraint Davies, Tremyfoel, Penrhiwllan.

Welsh cob Section D (2/3 year olds): 1, Hywel Davies, Llwyncelyn; 2, Casserg Stud, Rhydowen, Llandysul; 3, John Shain, Brynfforest Inn, Trimsaran.

Welsh cob Section D (four years and over): 1, Huw and Carys Davies, Trefaes Fawr, Beulah; 2, Davies, Gelli Fach, Newcastle Emlyn; 3, Peter Rodway, Cwm Mawr, Carmarthen.

Arab: 1, Miss S Vallender and D Cocksedge, Henllan Amgoed, Whitland; 2, J. W. & D. E. Carlisle, Helyg Fawr, Aberporth.

Hunter: 1, Miss Helena Davies, Pembroke Stud, St Dogmaels; 2, Mr and Mrs Lamb, Glanceri, Rhydlewis; 3, Jane Jones, Brynawd, Bancyffordd.

Shetland: 1, 3, Crafton Stud, Penlan, Tanygroes; 2, Whiteker Family, Tanygroes. Donkey: 1, 2, Sarah Cooper, Trimsaran.

Any other breed: 1, Cwmbont Stud, Pontyates; 2, Penfoel, Rhydlewis; 3, Linda Reed, Dinas Cross.

Supreme champion: Huw and Carys Davies; reserve: D. R. Jones.

Private driving class: Haydn George.

Best tradesman's turnout: Dr Glyn Jones, Aberystwyth (1920 hearse originally from Glynarthen).

Heavy horse turnout: Shire Horse Farm, Eglwyswrw.