Model in accident at horse show photo shoot

MODEL Pippa O’Connor was rushed to hospital yesterday after an accident with a horse during a photo shoot for the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show.

The lunchtime accident happened when 24-year-old Ms O’Connor, a sister of international show jumper Cian O’Connor, was posing for a publicity shot.

Pippa, who is the girlfriend of 28-year-old RTÉ presenter Brian Ormond, was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital, by the St John’s Ambulance. She was discharged from hospital last night.

Meanwhile, its all systems go for the horse show at the RDS showgrounds in Ballsbridge.

Over 1,400 horses and ponies from Ireland and abroad will participate in the August 6–10 event, which will feature 12 international jumping competitions and have a total prize fund of nearly €800,000.

The show will cost €3.6 million to stage in a complex which has been given a €7.5m upgrade in the last three years.

Arts, Sport and Tourism Minister Martin Cullen said the show is a celebration of the strong equestrian tradition in Ireland. It provides people with an opportunity to see some of the best riders jump for honours.

RDS chief executive, Michael Duffy, said 2008 marks the 135th Horse Show, founded to foster and promote the Irish horse industry. “The show aims to develop a market for Irish bred horses, set standards and reward improvements in breeding and performance, as well as promoting international jumping.” he said.

The international jumping competitions include the Speed Derby and the Aga Khan trophy.

* Book tickets online on the 2008 Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show website, www.dublinhorseshow.com.