Irish riders are celebrating news of two new international events.
After the loss of two-star Necarne Castle due to financial reasons, Ireland was left with no international in the autumn.
But now Ballindenisk organiser Peter Fell has stepped in and the Co Cork venue will hold its first CCI***, CCI** and CCI* (15-19 September) — the dates when Necarne was due to be held.
Camphire, in Co Waterford, has also applied to run its first international event, comprising a CIC** and CIC* (28-29 August).
“It’s always been the plan for down the road, but with the loss of Necarne an opportunity opened up,” said Mr Fell.
“We’ve had an excellent response — it’s valuable to the industry and makes a huge difference to riders cost-wise.”
The prize-fund currently stands at €10,000 (£8,448), but Mr Fell added that any extra sponsorship money gained would go directly into winnings.
Three Irish international competitions have been lost in the past two years — Necarne Castle, Ballygraffan and Ballinacoola — forcing Irish riders to travel overseas.
Tipperary-based rider Paul Donovan told H&H he’s looking forward to Ballindenisk: “It’s definitely more cost-efficient to compete there than travel abroad.”
British-based Irish eventer Michael Ryan agreed: “I’ll be heading there — we need to support our country’s events.”
John Wright, chairman of Eventing Ireland added: “Ballindenisk ran an excellent CIC over two days recently, which showed the variety of tracks that can be produced at the venue.”
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (13 May, ’10)
