Prestigious Honour for the Tattersalls Ireland International Horse Trials.

The 2006 Tattersalls Ireland International Horse Trials had been hailed as a success by competitors and spectators alike, so its organisers were understandably thrilled to have been honoured with the "Best Event of 2006" Award at the David Foster Injured Riders Fund Ball at the Johnstown House Marriott Hotel last Saturday night. 2006 was the first time the Co. Meath event went "international", attracting the likes of Pippa Funnell, who gave a course-walk before the cross country, and eventual winner, Selina Elliott as well as Ireland's leading 3 day eventers.

Tattersalls Ireland was represented on the night by director and one of the main organisers of the event, George Mernagh, who accepted the award from Mr Ger Canty, Manager of Ford Dealers Sales. George Mernagh was eager to praise all those behind the scenes, "As anyone who has organised an event will know, it takes a huge amount of work to run an event and to achieve such a high standard in our first year of going international speaks volumes about the commitment and dedication that everyone has shown. To say we are thrilled with this is an understatement, and I know I speak for Edmond Mahony, our chairman, as well as the rest of our team."

Tattersalls Ireland's Chairman, Edmond Mahony, who unfortunately was unable to attend the ball, pointed out the versatility of the Tattersalls Ireland complex, "Our vision for the Tattersalls Ireland grounds at Fairyhouse has always been not only to be a venue for thoroughbred sales, but also to provide top-class facilities for a variety of other equestrian events. This award really puts the stamp of approval on the quality of our facilities, grounds and organisation, as well as the course that Tommy Brennan and Hugh Lochore built." As well as 30 days of sales a year, including the marathon 2 week November National Hunt Sale, Tattersalls Ireland is host to point-to-points, shows, pony club rallies, and the Future Event Horse League Final, while the Tattersalls Country House has been beautifully refurbished and is now greatly in demand as a venue for parties and weddings.

The "Best Event" award certainly bodes well for another successful year for the Tattersalls Ireland International Horse Trials and their sponsors The Irish Horse Board and Dunboyne Castle. The dates for this year's event is 31 May to 3 June and will again feature CCI**, CCI*, CCIJ*, and CCNP** classes. More information on the 2007 event and reviews and results from the 2006 event can be found at www.tattersalls.ie.

30th January 2007