Breeders’ Championship prize fund quadrupled
Other substantial prizes will be awarded, in addition to €5,000 for the three best foals by a thoroughbred sire, to promote the traditional and successful Irish cross.
The RDS said it was delighted the Irish Horse Board will sponsor the Championship at the August 3 to 7 show in Ballsbridge.
Irish Horse Board acting director general Nicholas Finnerty said it is hoped the increased prize money will encourage more people to show their mares and foals, especially at the qualifier stage.
The 12 qualifying shows for the Breeders' Championship are: Ballymena, May 28; Midleton, May 29; Westport, June 5; Clonakilty, June 12; Saintfield, June 18; Gorey, June 18, Charleville, June 26; Athenry, July 3; Bailieborough, July 3; Ballymote, July 3; Bannow/Rathangan, July 14 and Granard, July 16.
The preliminary round of the Championship proper will take place on the Thursday of the Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show, with the final on Friday. Mr Finnerty said the prize money will cover most of the expenses for those who qualify for Dublin. Over the years, many of the foals that qualify for the Breeders' Championship regularly come back to compete successfully in led classes and under saddle at Ballsbridge.
The offers Championship allows breeders bench mark their stock, and in some cases, Ballsbridge proves a good marketplace to sell promising animals.
Fáilte Ireland has meanwhile been named as the title sponsor of this year's Dublin Horse Show.
Welcoming the new sponsor, Tourism Minister John O'Donoghue said, "The Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show greatly enhances our global reputation as a leading equestrian holiday destination, which makes this an ideal event to sponsor through the International Sports Tourism Initiative."
