Big increase in entries for annual Millstreet show

Millstreet in Co Cork will resound to the hoof-beats of more than 1,200 equines this week, as the Cork town stages its annual international horse show.

The influx of riders and their mounts represents a 20% increase in entries for the 110 classes offering more than €190,000 in prize money over six days.

The show comes just days after the venue staged the European Ponies Championships to much acclaim. It was estimated to be worth many millions of euro to the region and saw Green Glens proprietor Noel C Duggan state his intention to apply to host the World Equestrian Games in 2022. In 2008, Millstreet offered to host the 2014 games, due to begin on Aug 23 in France with Alltech, owned by Irishman Pearse Lyons, as the title sponsor.