100,000 set to visit RDS Horse Show
First of five days of equestrian sport begins today at the Stena Line Dublin Horse Show, with international and national show jumping and showing competitions taking place until Sunday. A total of 134 competitions take place during the show, including 14 international show jumping competitions, eight of which carry world ranking points. The highlight of the week is Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup on Friday, when Ireland will look to maintain their impressive recent form, which saw them win in Hickstead recently, and regain the Aga Khan Trophy which was won by an all-female American team last year. A crowd of approximately 100,000 is expected over the course of the Show, which also includes other highlights such as the Land Rover Puissance on Saturday and the big money event of the week: the Longines International Grand Prix of Ireland on Sunday.
The show also serves as the culmination of the national show jumping calendar, with many national titles up for grabs from amateur riders right down to 10 year olds competing in the smallest pony classes. There are also 85 showing classes over the five days with many carrying prestigious titles that can greatly increase the value of the winning animals.
This is also the first year of the Horseplay Hub in the RDS Concert Hall, with Síle Seoige hosting interviews with behind-the-scenes guests on Wednesday and Friday; stylist Laura Mullet talking to designers, milliners and jewellers on Ladies Day (Thursday); while the children take over the hub for the weekend with a host of entertainment for them headlined by Imaginosity workshops and Dave’s Jungle Reptile Show.
A highlight for many is the Dundrum Town Centre Ladies’ Day that takes place tomorrow Thursday 9th August, with a €10,000 shopping voucher on offer for the overall winner.
The Irish team of four for the Longines FEI Nations Cup was announced last week:
• Louth’s Mark McAuley with Utchan De Belheme
• Mayo’s Cameron Hanley with Quirex
• Limerick’s Paul O’Shea with Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu
• Cork’s Billy Twomey with Kimba Flamenco
They will be competing against USA, Great Britain, Mexico, Switzerland, the Netherlands, France and Italy