€600,000 horse show prize fund underlines need to stay in big league
Generous by any standard, it, nevertheless, highlights starkly the potential loss facing Irish showjumping engendered by a bad result in the show's nations cup.
Ireland are second last in the Samsung Super League, which boasts the sport's eight best countries. With the nation finishing last relegated annually and with that prospect staring Ireland in the face, a good result on home soil is imperative.
While Ireland field a team in Hickstead, England, next week and will be hoping to exit the danger zone, the consensus is Dublin will prove pivotal in terms of Super League survival.
Last year, Ireland defied predictions and lifted the Aga Khan trophy, with Billy Twomey riding one of only three double-clear rounds to seal the competition.
He was riding his first-choice mount Luidam then, but with the 12-year-old stallion recovering from injury, he saddles up the 11-year-old chestnut mare Anastasia in this year's contest.
He was unequivocal yesterday when asked the implications of relegation.
"A disaster. Aside from the financial implications, no riders will want to go to the Eastern European shows [which feature on the second division Samsung League and carry comparatively little prize money], so the chances of getting back in the Super League would be very difficult," said the Cheshire-based Cork man.
Asked if he felt Anastasia could replicate Luidam's 2004 performance, he said: "I would like to think so. She's going well lately."
However, he conceded he would need to improve a little on his 10 and four-fault rounds in Rotterdam last month, when Ireland finished fourth.
Twomey made his comments yesterday as details of this year's show were announced.
Joining him on the squad will be Captain Shane Carey (Killossery), Harry Marshall (Ado Annie), Jessica Kürten (Quibell or Castle Forbes Maike) and Cian O'Connor (Waterford Crystal).
Earlier this year, German-based, Antrim-born Kürten, Ireland's most consistent rider this year, vowed never to line out alongside O'Connor in the light of his Olympic controversy. Since being named on the team earlier this month with him, she has not said if she will follow up on her promise.
Dublin is the third-last competition in the Samsung Super League, followed by the ever-difficult Aachen in Germany, and the final in Barcelona.
Ireland have just 7.5 points following last-place finishes in the first two rounds half a point more than last-placed Netherlands.
Belgium have three more than Ireland. Matters are equally close at the top. Leaders Switzerland are on 22 with half-point differences between them and each of the next four teams, the US, Germany, Britain and France.
All in all, an intriguing battle between those with different agendas league glory and league survival awaits in Dublin.
This year's show, meanwhile, will see more than 1,350 horses and ponies, with representatives from every county in Ireland, pass through the gates between August 3-7.
While Friday's battle for Aga Khan honours forms the feature, Sunday's Samsung Grand Prix with its record prize fund of €120,000 is also bound to generate top-class competition.
Coupled with the nail-biting Land Rover Puissance, the Irish Field Six-Bar and seven other international competitions, the show is a leading international event. However, with 36 national jumping competitions for horses and ponies, it continues to be the Mecca of Irish equestrian sport.
At yesterday's launch, Sports Minister John O'Donoghue said: "The Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse show is a celebration of the strong equestrian tradition in Ireland. It provides us with an opportunity to see some of the best Irish and international riders compete for honours.
"We are delighted to sponsor such a high-profile event through the International Sports Tourism Initiative, which reinforces our commitment to promote Ireland as a quality equestrian destination for competition and enthusiasts.
"I am especially looking forward to watching Ireland defend the Aga Khan Trophy and to see the stars of the future compete in the junior classes."
