Glitz and glamour all round at Dublin Horse Show launch
It was all provided yesterday in the groomed grounds of the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) in Ballsbridge, where details of this year’s Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show — August 8-12 — were announced by Arts, Sports and Tourism Minister Séamus Brennan.
More than 1,000 horses and ponies will compete at the spectacle, which will cost €3.3 million to stage and will have €750,000 in prize money.
Mr Brennan said the five-day show was a celebration of Ireland’s equestrian tradition.
“It provides us with an opportunity to see some of the best Irish and international riders jump for honours,” he said.
Mr Brennan said more than 27,000 visitors flocked to Ireland yearly to discover why the country was truly the land of the horse.
Highlight of the international jumping will be the Samsung Super League with FEI for the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy.
More than 1,000 horses and ponies from every county in Ireland will take part in jumping and showing competitions over the five days. But the show will retain its reputation for glamour, especially on Thursday, August 9, Evian Ladies’ Day, when there will be a top prize of €10,000 on offer for fashion and flair.
RDS chief executive Michael Duffy said 2007 marked the 134th horse show, which was founded to foster and promote Irish equestrianism and the Irish horse industry.
“This year sees the RDS continue its mission to support the Irish Sport Horse breeder and producer through ensuring the best Irish-bred horses are showcased,” he said.
Entries are up 11% for this year’s show, which has a new director, Patrick Hanley, the deputy chief executive of the RDS.
