Tattersalls Again Awarded World Cup Status For May Event

At a press briefing at the Army Equitation School, McKee Barracks, this morning (Wednesday) Tattersalls Ireland in association with Horse Sport Ireland launched the upcoming Tattersalls Ireland International Horse Trials 2009, which will take place from 28th to 31st May in Ratoath, Co. Meath.

Tattersalls Ireland International Horse Trials has been awarded World Cup status for the second year running. The popular Co Meath event is one of only 10 events in the world to be nominated by the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) to host a qualifier for the HSBC FEI World Cup Eventing Qualifier.

"This is such a tribute to the professionalism of all those who have worked so hard to create a quality event here at Tattersalls," said George Mernagh, Managing Director of Tattersalls Ireland, "I am delighted".

Horse Sport Ireland Chief Executive Damian McDonald said: "It is wonderful news that the FEI has once again awarded World Cup status to this superb event, which gives the opportunity to all our own talented horse and rider combinations to perform against those at the very top of the sport."

"We are proud to have the Tattersalls facilities used in this way," said Chairman of Tattersalls Ireland Edmond Mahony.

"This is yet another opportunity for Tattersalls to be at the forefront in promoting Irish equestrianism. I am delighted that Horse Sport Ireland, Eventing Ireland and Failte Ireland as well as our long standing sponsor Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa are participants in this exciting event".

The May Bank Holiday weekend has proven popular for the crowds that have flocked to the event over the past three years, to see the world's top horses and riders in action against the magnificent backdrop of the Tattersalls complex.

In 2008, Tattersalls Ireland International Horse Trials was voted the sixth best international event by the world's eventing riders. The Irish qualifier of the HSBC FEI World Cup was won by Ireland's own Captain Geoff Curran, riding the Minister for Defence's Irish Sport Horse, Kilkishen, a combination that went on to become members of the Irish team at the Beijing Olympics.

The HSBC FEI World Cup Eventing 2009 has qualifiers in 10 different countries during the year before the final takes place in August 2009 in Poland. The series kicks off this week in New Zealand 10 - 12 April at Kihikihi.

Members of the Army Equitation School, and their horses, were present for the photo call today, which also included model Nadia Ford. Tattersalls Ireland International Horse Trials is an event for all the family, with a tented shopping village, dog competitions and children's entertainment among the facilities on site. Henry Scott (aged 8), Charlotte Scott (aged 10) and Isobel Angel (aged 4) attended the launch with their pony Bindy.

Press Launch Gallery