Longines National Grand Prix at Ravensdale Lodge
With the biggest weekend in the Ravensdale Lodge calendar fast approaching the finishing touches are being laid at the centre in advance of the Longines National Grand Prix show which is set to be staged over three days from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th May. This sees the fourth year of collaboration between the prestigious Swiss watch maker and Ravensdale Lodge. This show is now a firm fixture on the Irish show jumping calendar and ranks among the most popular shows nationally with numbers growing annually. As with last year, the 2014 renewal sees the show run over three days commencing on Friday 23rd May and finishing with the feature class of the weekend, the Longines 1.40m National Grand Prix on Sunday 25th of May. With a prize fund valued at €12,000 over the course of three days and the feature Grand Prix carrying a purse of €4000 there is something on offer for every level from 90cm to 1.40m. In addition to the prize fund, Longines will be generously standing by the tradition of sponsoring prizes in the Grand Prix that are not normally available to riders at national level. The winner of the Grand Prix will be rewarded with a watch from the Longines Conquest collection valued at up to €1800, they will also receive a bespoke Longines rug & trophy. Second and third placed riders can look forward to a bespoke Longines rug and trophy in addition to the prize fund. As with previous years every entry into Sunday’s Grand Prix will receive a much sought after Longines gift bag, a lovely memento to remember the day in years to come.
Most levels will be catered for over the weekend with a 90cm class on Friday & Saturday followed by regular 1m, 1.10m & 1.20m classes on each of the three days. Other feature classes over the weekend include Leinster Summer Tour classes from 1m to 1.35m, Ballymaloe Pasta Sauces His & Hers 1.10m class & Cavan Classic qualifiers. This shows reputation and attendances have grown year on year with a record number jumping over the three days in 2013 thanks in no small part to the world-class facilities at Ravensdale Lodge. The two grass arenas are in superb condition and have been well rested & prepared in advance of the show. The arenas have not been used since July of last year and have matured with the years and regular attention to the point that they have never been in better condition. Show organisers are looking forward to welcoming competitors new and old to the show, hopefully the weather will favour them as it has done for the past four years when there was a real summer feel to this top class event.
Category: News, Show Jumping
