No increase in SJI insurance premium

ShowjumpingIreland (SJI) has negotiated insurance cover that will see no increase in its premium, according to chairman Tony Hurley.

The Corkman said the term will run for 14 months from January and, while he would not divulge the premium figure, it is thought to be around €400,000.

Hurley also said general SJI fees would remain the same next year as a result of the insurance deal, which was agreed after the association saw the resolution of two major claims. These claims saw the SJI’s insurance premium rise by €450,000 in 2013 to €620,000. This year’s premium was thought to show a €200,000 reduction.

“I’m glad to say there will be no increase in the premium, despite the two multi-million euro claims this year,” said Hurley.

“As a result, there will be no increase in membership fees, registration fees, nor show affiliation fees.

“I must pay tribute to the health and safety committee for implementing new standards. Also, among members, I have witnessed a vast improvement in the safety standards. That’s not to say there may not be an accident some day, so we must remain vigilant.

“The insurance will now be due for renewal on March 1, 2016. I believe it was a good deal.”

The massive premium increase in 2013 saw registration rates for members and affiliation charges to shows rise by 25% and 50%, respectively. It also saw the cancellation of the national horse championships, according to the SJI’s annual report for the year-ended Oct 31, 2013, which was published last September.

* Just over a fifth of a second denied Bertram Allen victory in a 1.50mtr speed class at Olympia, London, yesterday.

Riding Wild Thing L, the 19-year-old Wexford was one of 31 to go to post, but had to give way to Dutchman Maikel Van der Vleuten and VDL Groep Eureka.

Later Ireland’s David Simpson and Richi Rich won the Puissance, earning €5,000.

Meanwhile, dressage world champions Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro wowed the Olympia crowd when breaking their own world record score.

Their performance in the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Freestyle received a standing ovation from a full house and a mark of 94.3% from the judges.

Their test was performed to a compilation of music from the soundtrack to the film ‘How to Train your Dragon’, the same music that won them gold at the World Equestrian Games in August.

Judy Reynolds, riding Vancouver K, became the first Irish rider to qualify for the competition, in which they finished 13th of the 14 starters with a score of 70.

Ireland is also represented in dressage by Dane Rawlins.

* Next year’s Mullingar International Horse Show will feature a spectator-friendly class centred around betting.

Three qualifiers — Millstreet (Apr 12), Louth County Show (Apr 26), Galway Equestrian Centre (May 3), will precede Mullingar Show, which will stage a fourth qualifier ahead of a grand final for 32 riders on the Sunday of the June Bank Holiday weekend.

Competitors in each qualifier will face the same course, giving punters an idea of form

The 32 finalists will compete as groups of eight, with a five-minute break between each to facilitate betting. The winners of each group will then battle it out for a share of the prizemoney.

In a statement, show director Robert Fagan explained the reasoning behind ‘Bet Showjumping Live’: “We are trying to make show jumping more exciting, easier to understand with quicker conclusions and more inclusive for the general public... A knock-on effect is the increased appeal to potential sponsors. Additionally, it will carry more appeal to owners and riders because of the increased prizefund.”

Fagan went on to commend Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) for developing the Irish Sport Horse Stud Book show jumping series, but said more was required.

“HSI has to increase their focus on equestrian centres and show facilities and secure Government funding to help grow the sport of show jumping and other equestrian disciplines further.

“A relatively modest Government investment would make a very significant impact. I greatly welcomed Minister [Simon] Coveney’s recently-announced increase in funding to HSI, but I believe the Government would need to substantially increase this funding in order to achieve a lasting impact.

“Horse Racing Ireland and the Government have done an unbelievable job in maintaining and developing racecourses and racing in Ireland. The same result needs to apply for HSI. The fact that needs to be driven home to Government is that by developing equestrian sport and equestrian facilities to a world-class standard and by increasing prize funding they would be supporting a countrywide rural economy.”

Fagan also said he has started a five-year plan, a major part of which is the construction of an Olympic-sized, all-weather arena. Also envisaged is a new international stable block, a hospitality pavilion and an improved trade village area.