Star-studded entry for Camphire Horse Trials

Britain’s Polly Stockton, Ruth Edge and Julie Tew, as well as Irish Olympians Michael Ryan and Joseph Murphy, are among the stars for what is gearing up to be the biggest Camphire Horse Trials in Waterford.

Over 200 entries alone have been taken for the international classes at the August 3-5 event, which will unveil a new three-star cross-country track, designed by Mike Etherington-Smith, whose CV features the Sydney and Beijing Olympics.

Among the young horse classes is the €1,000 Masterclass for four-year-olds, aimed at identifying horses of potential.

The class for five and six-year-olds is also well supported, including some international entries for the first time.

Dressage takes place on the Friday, with cross-country action on Saturday and Sunday.

Organisers are putting a lot of effort into the family-friendly aspect of the event, with food stalls and entertainment set to the backdrop of the River Blackwater.

Meanwhile, a new bursary for a training stint with Olympic show jumper Billy Twomey is on offer for young riders at next month’s Millstreet International Horse Show.

The winner will travel to Twomey’s yard in Britain with their horse and receive three days training with the Corkman.

The Hitchmough Bursary has been launched in memory of Iris and Avril Hitchmough; the founders of Hitchmough’s Riding School in Monkstown, Co Cork, who were among the most influential personalities in Irish show jumping.

The bursary is being set up by Jill Twomey, Billy’s mother, and the Millstreet organising committee.

Jill said: “Billy started his career in Hitchmough’s Riding School and I hope that this bursary will go somewhere in helping a young rider’s dream come one step closer to reality.”

The bursary will be open to competitors in the 1.20m Young Rider class at Millstreet.

Millstreet Show returns to the international stage on August 7-12 and will stage nine international competitions among its 92 classes, including three Rolex World Ranking classes.