Allianz to again support Make-A-Wish Challenge in 2015
The inaugural event raised €10,000 for the charity, whose “mission is to grant the wishes of children aged three to 17 years who have life-threatening medical conditions ”.
Following a presentation of the proceeds to Make-A-Wish Ireland on Wednesday, Hurley said Allianz had agreed to again sponsor the event.
“The Challenge will definitely go ahead next year and Allianz will again be on board. It is a worthy charity and there are some very poignant stories. It would sadden you and also make you realise how lucky you are,” said Hurley.
The Corkman said he was delighted to see the support lent by SJI members and equestrian centres.
“Approximately 50 centres countrywide held qualifiers, with each centre contributing €50, amounting to about €2,500. On top of that, €5 came from each competitor in the final at Cavan, which raised €4,000 alone. HSI gave a contribution, with a sizeable amount coming from Allianz,” said Hurley, who is keen to see SJI support other worthy charities.
Make-A-Wish Ireland’s head of fundraising Irene Timmins said: “The support we have received so far has been amazing and we would like to thank all the athletes who took part, both around the country and in Cavan Equestrian Centre. We have many children waiting for their wish to be granted, so the money raised will make a huge difference to this wonderful charity and enable us to create extraordinary moments for some truly brave children.”
The ShowjumpingIreland/Make-A-Wish Challenge saw riders compete for €11,500 put up by SJI. (See results, below).
Since its inception in 1992, Make-A-Wish has granted over 1,600 wishes in Ireland.
* Bertram Allen finished his last show with a win and opened in similar fashion yesterday at the five-star show in Geneva.
The 19-year-old travelled to the Swiss fixture buoyed by victory in last Sunday’s Lichtenvoorde Grand Prix in the Netherlands with Wild Thing L.
Yesterday, he led the way in the first international class with the seven-year-old stallion High Valley, showing again why the Wexford native is Ireland’s top rider in the Longines World Rankings, back up to 17th place.
The Irish are out in force in Geneva, with Cameron Hanley, Billy Twomey and Thomas Ryan looking for a slice of the money.
Geneva is one of three shows in the Rolex Grand Slam (RGS), along with Aachen, Germany , and Calgary, Canada. Aachen and Calgary put up €1m apiece for their grands prix, while Geneva throws in €750,000. However, what makes the RGS intriguing is that anyone who wins three-in-a-row receives a €1m bonus on top of the grand prix prize-money. Also, if two shows are won in succession, the bonus is €500,000, while a rider that wins a GP, fails in the next, but then claims a second win from three attempts, picks up a €250,000 bonus. Christian Ahlmann falls into that category, the Germany rider winning in Aachen, but four faulting in Calgary.
Five-star action also takes place in La Coruna, Spain, where Shane Breen and Denis Lynch carry Irish hopes.
* HSI chairman Pat Wall has noted the equestrian sector’s presence in last week’s launch by Tourism Ireland of its marketing plan for 2015. It outlined the importance of digital marketing and social media for attracting visitors to Ireland.
“Equine tourism was well represented,” said Wall, “with everything from adventure holidays, to high-level coaching to language/riding holidays for children.
“Willie Leahy from Connemara Trails and Donie O’Sullivan from Killarney Riding Centre were two examples that embraced digital marketing to great effect.
“Also, the equine tourism participants were delighted that their sector has not been forgotten in the much-awaited sport horse strategy.”
See: killarneyridingstables.com and connemaratrail.com.
* Competitors will not have to qualify for the Association of Irish Riding Clubs (AIRC) National Horse Trials Championships next year, as the event reverts back to its previous format.
This means that competitors in 2015 must complete a one-day event from the first of May to be eligible for the final in September.
The AIRC said the decision to revert to the previous format followed consultation with its National Committee and also feedback received from competitors in this year’s championships.
Chairman Tony Ennis said: “Some regions found it difficult to organise a qualifier and I know some will be disappointed by this decision.”
However, he said: “As a gateway organisation, we want to actively encourage as many of our members to take part in equestrian sports and we feel this change will help this.”
The final takes place at Kilguilkey House, Mallow, Co Cork on Sunday Sept 6.
The SJI/Make-A-Wish Challenge, Cavan Equestrian Centre
Horses — 90cms: Amanda Fahy (Lackyle Skylancer); 1mtr: Kirsty Dobie (KEC Gruvy Too); 1.10m: Sara Gorman (Take a Gamble); 1.20m: Philip Hannigan (Yukon Flush).
Ponies — 128cms/80cms: Alex Finney (Ballyknock Master Roan); 128cms/90cm: Alex Finney (Ballyknock Master Roan); 138cms/90cm: Hannah McGoldrick (Coral Queen); 138cms/1mtr: Ruairi Aylward (Coppenagh Celtic Rebel); 148cms/ 1mtr: Samuel Wilson (Quantum Starlight); 148cms/1.10mtr: Melek Fagan (Rathkenny Lace Wing).
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