Mark Todd and NZB Campino winners of the George Mernagh Memorial CIC3star

Great Britain’s Kitty King with Ceylor LAN wins The Irish Field CCI3* and Mark Todd and NZB Campino land the George Mernagh Memorial CIC3* at Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair in association with Horse Sport Ireland

Kitty King & Ceylor LAN winners of The Irish Field CCI3star at Tattersalls

Great Britain’s Kitty King and Ceylor LAN take top honours at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair by winning The Irish Field CCI3*  contest at the 10^th Anniversary of the event. Lying in second place going into the show jumping phase, the partnership produced a clear round to win the competition on a score of 45.90, clear of William Fox-Pitt and Luxury FH on 46.60. Best of the Irish was Austin O’Connor riding Kilpatrick Knight who finished in sixth place on 50.00.

In the George Mernagh Memorial CIC3*, New Zealander Mark Todd and NZB Campino produced an excellent cross country round clear and inside the time, winning the class with an impressive score of 36.90. In second place was Australia’s Paul Tapner riding Yogi Bear who produced a clear cross country round and finished on 40.00. Best of the Irish was Irish Olympian Joseph Murphy with Electric Cruise who finished in fifth place.

For full results on the eventing Ireland website, click here

L-R: Aaron McCusker, Cathal Daniels, Roger Casey, Managing Director of Tattersalls Ireland & Rachel Dowley. Photo: Tattersalls

On Wednesday evening, May 27^th at the Welcome Reception for the Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country, the three recipients of the 2015 George Mernagh Memorial Fund Bursaries were announced and presented by Event Director Jean Mitchell and Tattersalls Ireland Managing Director Roger Casey. The winners will each receive a bursary worth €5,000.  The charitable company, The George Mernagh Memorial Fund Limited, was established in memory of the late George Mernagh who had a lifetime interest in equestrian sports and who was   committed to developing these at Tattersalls Ireland. The bursary objectives are:

·         To support youth participation in Irish equestrian sports;

·         To foster national and international sporting competition in Ireland via the provision of equestrian competition and the facilities that support this competition;

·         To contribute to the education and development of all participants involved in any aspect of Irish equestrianism to the highest possible standards.

The 2015 winners are:

Aaron McCusker

Aaron is 36 years of age from Lurgan, Co. Armagh, with a degree in Equine Business Management.

He competed nationally for over 20 years, and has recently upgraded to a Senior National Course Designer with “Show Jumping Ireland” and he is also a Level 2 Horse Sport Ireland Coach, and passionate about his involvement with many equestrian sports.

As well as course designing and building for many SJI Registered Shows, throughout Ireland, Aaron is the current Jumping Course Designer for the Eventing Ireland [Northern Region] National Horse Trials.

He is very keen to gain more experience and see different concepts used outside Ireland, which he could introduce and utilise for the benefits of both Show Jumpers and Eventers.

Aaron aspires to become an FEI International Jumping Course Designer, and the bursary will enable him to travel and attend International shows and events – to assist and learn from top quality Officials. It would also help him to attend FEI seminars and courses to gain the necessary promotion.

He also aims to pass on his knowledge and experience by running ‘course design’ clinics to educate competitors at all levels, on walking courses, understanding distances, etc.

Cathal Daniels

Cathal Daniels is from Loughrea, Co. Galway, is now 18 years old, and is now working full time with horses, in Eventing.

In 2012, Cathal was a member of the Irish Pony Eventing Team, winning both Team and Individual Gold Medals at the Pony European Eventing Championships at Fontainebleau, in France – and was presented with the Irish Field Award for “Young Eventer of the Year”.

In 2013 he moved from Pony to Junior level, winning a Team Gold Medal at the Junior European Championships at Haras d’Jardy, in France.

In 2014, Cathal won another Team Gold Medal – and an Individual Silver Medal – at the FEI Junior European Championships at Bishop Burton, in England, and he received the Captain David Foster Memorial Trophy for the highest placed Irish Junior Rider at Tattersalls, as well as the Irish Field Award for the Young Event Rider of the Year.

Cathal will use his Bursary to have dressage training with Horse Sport Ireland Coach Heike Holstein – and Show Jumping training with Horse Sport Ireland Coach Ian Fearon – to help with his move into the Senior ranks of Eventing at both National and International competitions.

Rachel Dowley

Rachel is 22 years of age, from Carrick-on–Suir, in Co. Kilkenny, is involved with the “Under 25 Group” of Dressage Ireland and is in the 3^rd of 4 years studying English and Psychology at Trinity College, Dublin.

In 2008 and 2009 she was on the HSI Pony High Performance Eventing squad, and from 2010 she has won numerous Dressage Championships in Ireland, and at Hickstead, at various levels.

She has been a working pupil with Anne Marie Dunphy, Ellen Bontje, Conrad Schumacher and Richard Davison and a member of the IURCA Student Riders Nations Cup squad in 2014 and 2015.

Just recently she won the hotly contested “Advanced Medium Championship” at the Dressage Ireland Winter Finals with her talented horse – “CADENS”.

Rachel has already got the necessary qualifications for teaching, HGV licence for transporting horses, Child Protection, First Aid, etc.

As well as riding, Rachel is very involved with coaching and intends to use part of her bursary to help with the education and development of other Irish riders.

She intends to compete in the UK at the BYRDS Home International, later this year – and will offer space in her lorry to other young riders, so that they can also benefit from International participation.

Entries are at an all-time record for the upcoming Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair in association with Horse Sport Ireland taking place from May 27^th – 31^st. Twelve Nations will be represented amongst the 364 individual combinations, an increase of 9% from 2014. Entries in both The Irish Field CCI3* and the George Mernagh Memorial CIC3* are up significantly on last year and the new Cooley Farm CCI*YH class has attracted 74 World class entries in the first year of running.

Eight of the World’s Top thirteen riders all hold an entry for Tattersalls including William Fox-Pitt (GB) (currently number 2 in the World), Jonelle Price (NZ), Oliver Townend (GB), Andrew Nicholson (NZ), Sam Griffiths (AUS), Bruce Davidson (USA) and Paul Tapner (AUS). For the first time at Tattersalls we also welcome competitors from Brazil. Hot off the back of his Rolex Kentucky 2^nd place, 2014 winner Tim Price returns to retain his crown after victory at Tattersalls last year.

Commenting on the impressive entries at Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair, Tattersalls Ireland’s Managing Director Roger Casey said;

“We are overwhelmed with the calibre of entries received for the 10^th running of the Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair. The World’s Best Event riders will all converge in Ireland at Tattersalls and gives the public the exciting opportunity to witness the very best competitors of this sport.

The increase of 9% in entry numbers is a testament to the event and how it has grown since its inception in 2006. We look forward to welcoming back the top Irish and International riders to Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair in association with Horse Sport Ireland at the end of May.”

COOLEY FARM TO SPONSOR NEW CCIYH1* CLASS AS SCHEDULE FOR TATTS 2015 IS RELEASED

Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair in association with Horse Sport Ireland have added a new and exciting CCI1* Young Horse Class to the schedule for 2015. Tattersalls Ireland are delighted to welcome Cooley Farm who have come on board as title sponsor of this class. Cooley Farm are well renowned for producing and selling top quality horses on the world stage. The CCIYH1* class will be restricted to 6 and 7 year-old horses and will compete at 1* level for a prize fund of €7,000.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Richard Sheane and Georgina Philips of Cooley Farm said;

“We are delighted to sponsor this year’s 6 and 7 year-old CCI* class at Tattersalls 2015.

Cooley Farm is well known as one of the leading dealers of top class young horses that are being aimed at the top of the sport.

This class will be a great show-case for the best 6 and 7 year old horses in the World.”

Also commenting on the announcement, Tattersalls Ireland Managing Director Roger Casey said;

“We are delighted to welcome Cooley Farm on board as a new sponsor. The exciting new 1* Young Horse Class is the perfect fit for Cooley Farm with the best 6 and 7 year-old horses showcasing their talent at Ireland’s premier three-day-event.”

The schedule for the 2015 running of Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair has just been released and yet again features a wide array of classes for all competitors from Pony 1* right up to 3*. Along with Cooley Farm as new sponsor of the Young Horse Class, Tattersalls also have pleasure of welcoming back existing sponsors Connolly’s RED MILLS, Dunboyne Castle, Eventing Ireland, The Irish Field, Tredstep Ireland and Land Rover to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the Event.

In excess of 23,000 enjoyed glorious weather at Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair in association with Horse Sport Ireland to watch Great Britain’s IZZY TAYLOR riding Susan Halroyd’s ALLERCOMBE ELLIE win the coveted Irish Field CCI*** class ahead of fellow Great Britain LOUISE HARWOOD and WHITSON. Best of the Irish in the class was local lady SARAH ENNIS fresh from her win at Chatsworth who finished in third place riding her own STELLOR REBOUND.

New Zealand’s TIM PRICE riding The Wesko Syndicate’s WESKO claimed top position in the George Mernagh Memorial CIC*** Class ahead of overnight leader’s MILLIE DUMAS and ARTISTIEK. In third place was last year’s winner BILL LEVETT representing Australia riding IMPORVISE.

Commenting on the event, Tattersalls Ireland Managing Director Roger Casey said;
‘We are very proud of how the international horse trials went over the last few days. I spoke again during the week about this event being an enduring legacy of the late George Mernagh and today, on his birthday I sincerely believe that we have honoured that legacy. There is a real sense that the event has taken another giant stride forward this year in terms of its quality and quantity of entries and its overall position in the annual international sporting and social calendar. An attendance of over 23,000 people is testament to its appeal as a sporting event of real significance and as an established attraction to the wider public. I cannot express how grateful everyone involved is to our tireless volunteers and officials, to the supportive owners and competitors and to all those that provide financial support – Horse Sport Ireland, The Irish Sports Council and our generous class and fence sponsors. We will now start to consider how we can improve the event further in 2015 in what will be its 10th year.’

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Ennis, who comes fresh from a victory on the same horse at Chatsworth’s Three-Day Event in England, improved by three places today after her dressage score to hold overnight fourth.

In sixth is Ciaran Glynn with another Irish Sport Horse, Killossery Jupiter Rising, while the lead is held by Britain’s Izzy Taylor and Allercombe Ellie. The world’s number one-ranked Eventer, Britain’s William Fox-Pitt, retired Gaucho on the cross country course.

Only six combinations came home clear and under the time.

The three-star event finishes on Sunday with the show jumping phase.

In the CCI2* class, which will also finish tomorrow, Britain’s Piggy French is overnight leader on yet another Irish Sport Horse, Seapatrick Dark Cruise.

British rider Oliver Townend took first place in the CCI1* class with the Irish Sport Horse Colonel Joe after the completion of all phases, while in the Junior class, gold medallist Cathal Daniels was best of the Irish at the finish with a third place on Mister Brightside (ISH), the win going to the Netherlands – Janou Bleekman with Granntevka Prince. Ireland’s Lucy Latta also took fourth place in the Junior section on Cleo Ferra (ISH).

After cross country today Britain’s Millie Dumas holds the overnight lead in the CCI1* Under 25 class with The Duke of Cavan (ISH), while in ponies, Ireland’s Fionn Clarke was the outright winner on Black Velvet Band.

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Tom McEwen from Wiltshire in the UK riding ‘Rehy USA’ is in second place with another British rider Emily King in third.

Jennifer Diamond remains the best placed Irish rider in sixth spot with ‘Early Spring’ after a superb clear cross country round and could challange for a podium finish if she can repeat that performace in the show jumping ring.

Connolly’s RED MILLS Eventing Team member Cathal Daniels was unfortunatly eliminated with Rioghan Rua, although another Irish rider Jamie Nolan has moved into the top ten and now occupies ninth place with Killossery Halltown Imp.

The Connolly’s RED MILLS nder 25 Tattersalls champion will be crowned on Sunday following the show jumping competition.

Connolly’s RED MILLS CCI** U25 – Tattersalls International Horse Trials 31/05/2014
Top Ten following Cross Country

Rank Horse / Rider (Nationality) Penalties
1 THE DUKE OF CAVAN/Millie Dumas (GBR) 42.6
2 REHY USA/Tom McEwen (GBR) 43.0
3 WALITZE F VEJGARD/Emily King(GBR) 45.7
4 CHIPPIEH/Hedvig Wik(SWE) 49.1
5 CLONCOLMAN LAD/Tom Grant(GBR) 50.9
6 EARLY SPRING/Jennifer Diamond (IRL) 51.3
7 DIRECT CRUISING/Hedvig Wik(SWE )51.5
8 NEUF DES COEURS/Hector Payne(GBR)51.7
9 KILLOSSERY HALLTOWN IMP/Jamie Nolan(IRL) 54.3
10 ARDFIELD EXPRESS/Anna Horton(GBR) 56.3

Edited with BlogPad Pro

Izzy Taylor in the lead for Great Britain: Photo Prime Photography

Great Britain’s Izzy Taylor takes the lead in The Irish Field CCI*** Class at Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair in association with Horse Sport Ireland
For the fourth year running, course designer Ian Stark displayed his creative flare, producing what riders have described as an “inviting but challenging and unique course” testing their accuracy and courage.
A massive crowd of over 10,000 descended on Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair in association with Horse Sport Ireland to witness Great Britain’s IZZY TAYLOR riding Sue Holroyd’s ALLERCOMBE ELLIE take the lead In the Irish Field CCI*** class after the cross country phase. Currently lying in second position is AUSTRALIA’S PAUL TAPNER and INDIAN MILL with Great Britain’s LOUISE HARWOOD and WHITSON lying in third.
Competition concludes tomorrow at Tattersalls International Horse Trails & Country Fair in association with Horse Sport Ireland with the show jumping phase of all classes along with the cross country element of the George Mernagh Memorial CIC*** class taking place at 1.45pm.
The charming Country Fair of Tatts 2014 is tailored especially for families offering FREE admission for under 12s; families are also encouraged to bring along their dogs so they too can get in on the action and maybe win a special prize in the novelty dog show.

All the Tattersalls ‘usual favourites’ will be back with a host of new attractions and a fun fair added, including vintage swing boats, dodgems, crazy golf, a Chair-o-Plane and a fortune teller. However, the stars of the show will no doubt be the special new attraction; the Mini Puissance Ponies. Known for their crazy coloured manes, glittery hooves and high jumping, the mini ponies will also be performing tricks to entertain all the family and will defy gravity by jumping a puissance wall. Something the whole family will be captivated by!

The country fair will also host a FREE Toddler Zone and older kids will be kept busy with super bungee trampolines and an action-packed climbing wall in the Kids’ Activity Area.
The Tattersalls’ Shopping Village will once again play host to Ireland’s leading country chic brands within a wide range of fantastic and eclectic shopping stands. Also new to the 2014 event is the Tattersalls Members Badge, which offers dedicated parking and exclusive access to the VIP lounge, sponsored by Kildare Village.

Competitors please note photographs from each phase available from Prime Photography either on-site at the event, or via Prime-photography.co.uk website

Edited with BlogPad Pro

At the end of day one, Oliver Townend and Colonel Joe led the way for Great Britain in the Landrover CCI* with Ian Cassells Carrick Jewel in overnight second, however a test completed by Clare Abbott on John and Cormac McKay’s Oakley this morning put Ireland back into leading spot.  Clare was nudged into second place when William Fox-Pitt and Top Biats completed a test on 36.9 in this very competitive class.  Results will continue to come in throughout today until 4pm.

William Foxpitt is currently in second place in the Eventing Ireland CCI** with Brook Staples heading the lead for Australia in this international class.  Sam Watson and Imperial Sky are the leading Irish combination in this class at the moment.  Tests will continue until 10.30am on Friday morning.

Selma Hammarstrom and Three Wells Breeze are leading the Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa CCI* pony class for Sweden with Mary Smiddy and Mr Hale Bob just 2.3penalties behind them for Ireland.

The CIC*** and CCI**U25 Classes will complete their dress phase on Friday morning.

Tredstep Ireland, 

Tredstep join existing and long term class sponsors The Irish Field, Eventing Ireland, Connolly’s Red Mills, Land Rover and Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa. The Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa CCI* for Ponies is also an International class this year, which organisers hope will attract additional overseas competition.

Another new partner for this year’s event is Michael JF Wright Hospitality the leading hospitality company and owner of 9 award winning bars and restaurants and the famous night club the Wright Venue. They will sponsor the bars at Tatts and will host The Gilbert and Wright Living Room in the village. With live music and renowned bar staff this is sure to be the event party hub.

This year’s renewal of the Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair in association with Horse Sport Ireland has extended to 5 days running from Wednesday 28^th May to Sunday 1^st June. A number of changes to the timetable this year see cross country action over 3 days Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Show jumping on both Saturday and Sunday. The Country Fair and extended children’s entertainment also opens on Friday increasing the Friday offering for visitors.

Roger Casey, Managing Director, Tattersalls Ireland commented “We are delighted to welcome Tredstep and Wright Hospitality on board this year with both offering a new dimension to this ever expanding event. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to our existing panel of supportive sponsors. It is always a challenge to attract new sponsors and while we still have a number of fences available it is very encouraging to have attracted two new International brands for this year’s event. We are certain that the extra day of Cross Country and Show jumping and opening the Country Fair on Friday will improve the visitor experience further in 2014.”

Aidan Keogh, Managing Director of Tredstep Ireland commented “Tredstep are long supporters of Eventing and the industry grassroots. We are delighted to sponsor the CCIJ* Class and host the final of the Tredstep Junior League at Tattersalls International. The Tredstep Junior League is building in momentum in the Eventing community and we look forward to an exciting final at Tatts 2014.”

Tickets for the Tattersalls International Horse Trials are now on sale on www.tattshorsetrials.ie . An advanced booking discount applies to online purchases.

Tatts 2014 will take place over five days for the first time from Wednesday May 28th to Sunday June 1st 2014. With lots of plans in store which will improve the event for both competitors and visitors. 

Tatts 2014 – Bigger & Better

The 2014 Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair will take place over 5 days. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will host Dressage. There will be two action packed days of Cross Country on Friday and Saturday and Show Jumping will take place on Sunday.

Roger Casey, Managing Director of Tattersalls Ireland commented on the new dates;

“With our increasing number of entries it has becoming very difficult to host all the Cross Country on one day. Starting a day earlier allows us to split the cross country over two days, Friday and Saturday. This should alleviate the pressure on every one working at the event from fence judges to course builders, time keepers, control and many others and allow for an improved visitor experience. The village and all attractions will now be open a day earlier and we are working on a programme of events to compliment Sunday’s Show Jumping which will provide plenty of entertainment for all visitors.

To see the 2014 time table click here

NEW Tattersalls Members’ Badge

Tattersalls have launched a Members Badge for Tatts 2014. This is an opportunity to enjoy the event in comfort and style. Purchased in addition to your admission ticket the members upgrade badge allows access to a dedicated member’s car park and to a members marquee overlooking the main arena. A five day member’s upgrade is €45 with daily upgrade badges also available. Places are limited so get in early to enjoy this exclusive Tattersalls offering.

Box Office Open 

The box office is now open. There are some changes to the ticketing for 2014. There are a number of new car parks namely, Fairyhouse, Tattersalls, Priority Picnic and the Members Car Park. An admission ticket must be purchased in addition to a car parking badge.

Entry and parking is FREE on Wednesday and Thursday. Parking in Fairyhouse Racecourse remains FREE throughout the event as does admission for all children 12 and under. The child ticket has been changed to a Teen ticket which will include all children aged from 13 – 18 inclusive.

Why not buy a weekend or members badge for a horse lover for Christmas?

Happy Christmas!

To check out all the ticket information, click here

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TATTERSALLS INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS & COUNTRY FAIR WEBSITE

William Fox Pitt, Jilly Cooper & Juliet Cooper at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair 2013 Welcome Reception

Tatts 2013 Welcomes acclaimed novelist Jilly Cooper

Acclaimed novelist Jilly Cooper today paid a visit to Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair to witness the world of Three Day Eventing in all its glory. Jilly, who is currently researching for her new book to be published in 2014, hopes to use Tatts 2013 as a ground-line for some of the stories featured.

The Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair kicked off today, Thursday May 30th and competitions continues straight through to Sunday June 2nd 2013. Tickets for the event start at €5.00 and can be purchased at the gate.