Targeting spending to gain maximum value

IT should come as no surprise that plans for Ireland’s nations cup participation are to be revised following ShowjumpingIreland’s re-negotiation last week of its financial input.

Less money in means less money out.

As such, the senior riders that gathered in the Radisson Hotel at Dublin Airport last Tuesday under the auspices of Horse Sport Ireland would have heard that while Ireland will contest the eight Samsung Super League shows, developmental teams will compete in six second division shows.

The latter is fewer than envisaged.

International affairs originally planned its campaigns based on promised funding of €750,000, but this has been cut by €150,000.

This follows Horse Sport Ireland’s (HSI) acceptance last week of ShowjumpingIreland’s proposal to reduce its 2008 contribution from €250,000 to €200,000, as part of a three-year deal.

As such, the Irish Sports Council will provide €100,000 less, as, pro-rata, it gives two euro for every one provided by ShowjumpingIreland.

Thus, the budget for 2008 amounts to €600,000, which will, aside from the seniors, cover young riders, juniors, pony riders and children riding horses.

The ShowjumpingIreland proposal for a cut in its contribution came against a backdrop of it making an operating loss of €153,000 for 2007, with total income amounting to €1.86m.

As for nations cup shows, this year, it is estimated that a minimum of €20,000 will be spent on each Super League fixture, with half that amount on each of the second division shows.

A bonus system has been put in place to encourage clear rounds at Super League level, with riders earning €2,000 for the first and a double clear meriting €5,000.

But what of ShowjumpingIreland’s decision to seek a smaller contribution. It can, justifiably, say it oversees the breeding ground for the tremendous success achieved by show jumpers on the international stage. As such, its argument that the money it retained will be put to good use at grassroots level has merit. A strong domestic scene does not presage automatic success at senior level, but it certainly ensures a sporting chance.

On the other hand, international show jumping is the sport’s shop window and it is the best marketing tool to achieve penetration outside the confines of the show jumping fraternity. Success builds a positive image for the sport, but it is vital to harness this.

ShowjumpingIreland recognises this, otherwise they would not be putting up €675,000 over the next three years.

It all boils down to targeting spending to gain maximum value.

Ultimately, however, a situation has been highlighted: where do organisations such as Showjumping Ireland see themselves within the confines of HSI?

Short-term, ShowjumpingIreland has positioned itself at a level that shows a desire to participate in international affairs, but a cost that will see it focus on its core activity of managing the sport on a domestic level.

The day will come, though, when it may be faced with the option of relinquishing its autonomy and opting for full integration into HSI. There is nothing to suggest either HSI or ShowjumpingIreland want this to happen soon.

Meanwhile, HSI is looking at devising a comprehensive ownership scheme in the next few months. It will aim to demonstrate the benefits of ownership and one person will be appointed to liaise directly with owners.

It remains to be seen whether there will be financial incentives to encourage owners to retain top horses, but it should be seriously considered.

* PETER MOLONEY was in a class of his own when winning the Cork leg of the Guidam League last weekend at Maryville Stables.

On Caprice 5, the Waterford rider was fourth to go in a 15-horse jump-off and his time of 29.02 seconds came after a masterly round that saw him make full use of the chestnut mare’s agility.

Portlaoise rider Aidan Killeen on Du Noble came closest to threatening Moloney when 12th into the arena, but his time was almost three-quarters of a second off the target, while Trevor Breen and Always Cullohill slotted into third place.

Cavan Equestrian Centre also hosted a Guidam leg last weekend, with victory going to Benny Keuhnle, who tops the league with 28 points, double that of second-placed Edward Little.

Competitors travel to Barnadown, Co Wexford, this weekend for the fifth of 10 rounds in the league.

* CASTLE FORBES MAIKE, the mare ridden by Jessica Kürten that tested positive for a banned substance at La Baule last year, has been sold.

Maike was owned by Lady Georgina Forbes, but is now reported to be campaigned by Finland’s Noora Pennti.

Maike tested positive for the anti-inflamatory etoricoxib in May 2007 after Kürten won the grand prix. The German-based Antrim woman has fought vigorously to prove she did no wrong. A tribunal of the International Equestrian Federation will gives judgment in the next few weeks.

If the tribunal finds against her, Kürten has vowed to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Last weekend, Kürten finished ninth in the final World Cup qualifier to maintain her place at the top of the Western European League. The final takes place in Gothenburg at the end of the month and the 38-year-old will be aiming to go one better than her second place finish in 2006.

* TEMPLEMARTIN Hunter Trials takes place on Sunday, beginning at 11am.

The programme will see single and pair classes for horses and ponies, an open singles competition and an under-12/junior category. A starter stakes has been pencilled in for midday.

Enquiries: 023-44678 (evenings) and 087-6350283 (anytime). Alternatively, see www.carberyhunt.com