Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show 2009 Launched

The Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show 2009 was launched yesterday at the world famous RDS Showgrounds.

The Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show will further build and develop on the success of last year’s Show.  Over 1,400 horses and ponies, with representatives from all over Ireland and countries around the world, will participate from August 5 – 9 in the RDS.  With a total prize fund in excess of €900,000 over 12 international jumping competitions, 35 national jumping competitions and 95 showing classes, the Show is continuously developing to better fit the industry’s needs. The international jumping competitions include the Knight Frank Power & Speed on Thursday, the Meydan FEI Nations’ Cup for the Aga Khan Trophy on Friday, the Land Rover Puissance on Saturday and The Longines International Grand Prix on Sunday.

Commenting on this year’s show, Mr Michael Duffy, Chief Executive, RDS, said “2009 marks the 136^th Horse Show, founded to foster and promote Irish equestrianism and the Irish Horse Industry. This year sees the RDS continue its mission to support the Irish Sport Horse breeder and producer through ensuring the best Irish-bred horses are showcased at the Show. The Show also aims to develop a market for Irish bred horses, set standards and reward improvements in breeding and performance, as well as promoting international jumping by hosting the event to CSIO 5* standard. 

“New events such as Connemara Performance Hunter Classes, a Special Breeders’ Prize, a Combined Training Competition and a Racehorse to Riding Horse Class have been added to the programme whilst The Longines International Grand Prix, the Breeders’ Championship and the 3 Year Old classes will all benefit from increased prize funds.

“An added attraction to this year’s event is that the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show will be the final venue for the newly revamped Meydan FEI Nations’ Cup Series. Ten teams will now compete in the first round with the two lowest placed teams been eliminated from competing in the second round. As a result, the interval between the 1^stand 2^nd rounds will be longer with the second round now commencing at 5.30pm.

“The Show will maintain its high quality international and national show jumping combined with a wide breadth of entertainment, from the style and glamour of Blossom Hill Ladies’ Day to the excitement of the Kids’ Zone. The Show is an experience for the whole family.”

Shaun Quinn, Chief Executive, Fáilte Ireland, commented, ”Fáilte Ireland through the International Sports Tourism Initiative is delighted to support the Dublin Horse Show on its 136^th anniversary. This initiative targets and sponsors events that can highlight Ireland as a major sports tourism destination. The success of both this year’s Irish Open in Baltray and the Volvo Ocean stopover in Galway are still being talked about and highlight when it comes to hosting an international sporting event, Ireland punches well above its weight.       

“The Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show is a great opportunity for visitors to find out why Ireland is known as the land of the horse.    From trail riding to beach treks, horse fairs and horseracing,  Ireland is the ideal place to take an equestrian holiday.    Indeed, visitors who participated in equestrian pursuits generated revenue of €54million for the Irish economy last year.”

This year’s Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show takes place from August 5 – 9.  Online ticket booking and a provisional programme of events are now available on the 2009 Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show website at www.dublinhorseshow.com.  Book online today, choose your own seats, book car parking, make group bookings, avoid queuing at the Show and benefit from our online web discount.