Discussions under way to continue Premier Series in 2008
This year’s inaugural series was hailed a worthwhile innovation, achieving its aim of giving the sport a higher profile, while also allowing riders the option to stay at home instead of going abroad for high-quality competition. Each round carried a minimum prizefund of €12,000 and the series was won by Clem McMahon, who also received the use of a Citroen car for 12 months.
Yesterday, SJAI director general Pat Cully said: “The series is definitely going ahead, with 11 rounds to be held. Last week, we had a meeting with the show organisers to discuss requirements.”
He confirmed this year’s sponsor Atec will not be putting its name to the 2008 series.
“We are looking at different options as regards a new sponsor. As for prizemoney, we are hoping to have a similar amount as this year.”
The SJAI is also returning to the international fold next year, though it will come at a price, with the association coughing up €250,000 to be part of the Horse Sport Ireland jumping committee.
Mr Cully said it was important for the SJAI to be involved in international affairs
“International involvement cascades down throughout the sport on a national level and it is important for us to be involved. It is all for the good of show jumping. We feel we should have a representation.”
However, he acknowledged that spending €250,000 would have a knock-on affect.
“It will have an impact on the organisation and we are looking at means of cutting costs and freeing up money for other activities and to provide a more efficient service for members. Work will continue to raise the standard of show jumping. Having to pay out €250,000 means we have to be more pro-active and stringent, but this can only be for the betterment of the sport,” he said.
He pointed to a number of initiatives next year, including the launch of online registration for members.
He said another important development was the “events module”,
“This will result in the real-time publication of results on the website and will eliminate the associated costs of ticket processing. We will pay a third party for this service”.
With HSI starting in earnest in January, he said: “We are also looking at having a common database with other HSI affiliates.”
He said the SJAI had also received a grant from Skillnets through the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment for training, particularly in event management.
Mr Cully was happy to say there had been an increase of 6% in the association’s membership in 2007, along with a rise of 28% in show days and an 11% increase in jumping participation, based on the number of tickets processed.
lEVENTING’S synonymity with tragedy was highlighted again last Monday, with the death of a 21-year-old British rider in Florida.
Eleanor Brennan was competing in the CCI** at Ocala when she and her horse Mister Barnabus fell stumbled at the second last fence, a gate, and somersaulted, landing on Brennan. Both died from their injuries.
Surrey-born Brennan moved to Virginia in the US in 1997 with her family She had just returned to the US recently, having spent three years in England, when she became the youngest ever rider, at the age of 18, to compete in the four-star at Badminton.
lIF Denis Lynch continues his current form, he will able to open a car dealership, having last Sunday at Frankfurt won his third car in as many weeks.
The show jumper didn’t even have to put his foot to the floor, jumping a clear with Lantinus in the jump-off to place sixth in the grand prix and win one of six Mitsubishis on offer.
In La Coruna, Spain, world number four Jessica Kürten won on day one with Kalande des Brez, but it proved to be her sole victory. The 38-year-old German-based rider place fifth in the grand prix with Castle Forbes Maike to earn €12,000.
Pony riders Michael Moloney and Robert Harrison made a big impression at the Bois le Rois, France.
Moloney rode Shangan Eric to victory in the grand prix, the 16-year-old from Butlerstown, Co Waterford, providing the only first-round clear.
Harrison scored a hat-trick, teaming up with France’s Kimberley Richards to win the speed relay on Errory. The Longford rider had already won a jump-off with the same pony and a two-phase contest on Derravaragh Gambler.
* CARBERY PONY CLUB will organise an area Five show jumping league at the West Cork Equine Centre, starting January 6 and running for the two following Sundays.
Micro classes gets things underway at 10am and three arenas will operate.
The highlight each week will be the midi-height nations cup-style competition. Each four-rider team will select a chef d’equipe and the winning quartet at the end of the three weeks will nominate a charity, which will receive a donation from Carbery Club.
Enquiries: 023/41877 or 086/1681675.
l ... and from myself, a merry Christmas to readers and happy sport in 2008.
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