Zara Phillips riding Black Tuxedo as she takes part in the Dressage element of the 2012 Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair at Ratoath

Action underway at Tattersalls

Competition is underway at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair in association with Horse Sport Ireland where Olympic hopefuls are striving to impress selectors ahead of London 2012. The Co Meath venue has attracted riders from eight nations who are aiming to earn a team place to represent their country at Greenwich Park in July. Currently in the lead in of the feature class, The Irish Field CCI*** representing Ireland is Sarah Wardell riding Killeenduff Boy, with Polly Stockton of Great Britain riding Westwood Mariner lying in second position. Overseas riders competing this weekend include Zara Phillips and William Fox Pit of Great Britain, multiple medal winner Mark Todd of New Zealand and Australia's Matt Ryan. Among the Irish Olympic contenders are Captain Geoff Curran, Camilla Speirs, Mark Kyle and Susan Shortt to name just a few. Competitors complete the dressage element of the competition today and tomorrow. Cross Country takes place on Saturday which promises to be an action packed day and one Cross Country competition and the Show Jumping phase take place on Sunday. There are plenty of activities for the family over the weekend with a free dedicated kid's zone, picnic areas by the famous water fence, over 50 shopping stands in the Country Fair and lots of kid's entertainment from face painting to bouncy castles, fairground games, karting, a working farm display, dog competitions, pony rides, falconry displays plus much more. Tickets start at €5 with Kids under 12 free every day. Gates are open at 8.30am daily and tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day.