Tattersalls horse trials under threat

Tattersalls Ireland yesterday told Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) it has until October 1 to establish a “sustainable guaranteed funding mechanism” or the Meath venue will be unable to host its 2013 international horse trials.

Just a fortnight ago, Tattersalls, the foremost event of its kind in the country, attracted a high-calibre national and international field and, despite poor weather, it was estimated that almost 18,000 spectators attended. It was the seventh running of the event in Ratoath, with the Irish selectors using it to fine tune their squad for the Olympics.

HSI is thought to have pumped approximately €300,000 into the event since 2008.