Sunshine provides the perfect start at RDS
It combines international jumping and showing classes with high fashion, trade and craft exhibits, entertainment and the pageantry of the Meydan FEI Nations’ Cup for the Aga Khan Trophy tomorrow. A total of 1,400 horses and ponies will compete for a prize fund of over €900,000 at the show, which will have 12 international and 35 national jumping competitions as well as 95 showing classes.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Emer Costello officially opened the show, having been driven from the Mansion House in the Mayor’s Coach drawn by four Irish Draught horses.
She said the RDS has shown that it has the ability to adapt and adjust to changing times while at the same time continuing to act as the guardian of great traditions, such as the Dublin Horse Show.
The event, which is costing €3.7 million to stage, also highlights the importance of the sector in boosting tourism.
Last year, visitors to Ireland who took part in equestrian pursuits generated €54m for the Irish economy.
Fáilte Ireland chief executive Shaun Quinn said the show is a great opportunity for visitors to find out why Ireland is known as the land of the horse.
“From trail riding to beach treks, horse fairs and horseracing, Ireland is the ideal place to take an equestrian holiday,” he said.
Mr Quinn said Fáilte Ireland, through the International Sports Tourism Initiative, is again delighted to support the celebrated show on its 136th anniversary.
Events that can highlight Ireland as a major sports tourism destination are targeted and sponsored under the initiative.
RDS chief executive Michael Duffy said the show 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 at the show.
“The show also aims to develop a market for Irish bred horses, set standards and reward improvements in breeding and performance, as well as promoting international jumping by hosting the event to the highest standard,” he said.
Mr Duffy said an added attraction to this year’s show is that it will be the final venue for the newly revamped Meydan FEI Nations’ Cup series.
He said the RDS is about half way through a €100m development of its 42-acre Ballsbridge site.
A total of €8m has already been spent in the infrastructure of the show grounds itself over the past three years.
Main focus of the fashion and social round will be Ladies Day today with Blossom Hill as the new sponsor. The prize for the best-dressed lady will include a trip for two to Milan and Cape Town. Other prizes will also be awarded.
The judges will be couturier Synan O’Mahony and the actress-novelist Amy Huberman, fiancée of rugby star Brian O’Driscoll, with broadcaster Aisling O’Loughlin as MC for the presentation.
There will be a royal visitor to the show tomorrow – Princess Haya, daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan and wife of Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai.
She will be attending in her capacity as the president of the International Equestrian Federation.
