Irish horses on top of the world!

Tattersalls International Horse Trials
incorporating the HSBC FEI World Cup ^TM Eventing Qualifier
Ratoath, Co Meath
28-31 May 2009

Press release 29.5.09

The top 10 horses at the end of the dressage phase of the HSBC FEI World Cup ^TM Eventing Qualifier taking place at Tattersalls in Co Meath this weekend included no less than 7 Irish bred horses, 3 of them ridden by Irish riders and the rest British exports.

Polly Stockton from Cheshire is in the lead at this stage of the competition on Westwood Poser a Master Imp horse part owned by Arthur Comyn from Mallow, Co Cork, who met Polly on a hunting trip to Ireland in 1995. "Arthur has been a brilliant owner," said Polly, "I have ridden a number of his horses down the years. It is exciting to be in the lead. I just wish the competition would finish now!"

The cross country phase takes place on Saturday and the final show jumping phase on Sunday. Each horse and rider must complete all three phases in the sport of eventing which demands a multi-talented horse and rider combination.

Olympic medallist Mary King is currently in 2nd and 3rd position on Imperial Cavalier and Fernhill Urco. Highest placed Irish rider is Ciaran Glynn from Swords on the home bred mare Killossery Kruista.

An action packed weekend awaits visitors to Tattersalls in Co Meath this weekend. Families have the chance to come on Saturday (30 May) with a picnic and book a special picnic site for the car beside the feature water fence of the cross country phase where they will have a chance to watch up close all the thrills and spills of this exciting sport!

A superb prize is on offer for the 'Most Appropriately Dressed Family' on Saturday! The lucky winning family will receive a prize of a VIP day including admission and lunch at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby which takes place at the end of June at the Curragh Racecourse.

For the non equestrian members of the family there's plenty of action too! The Bank Holiday weekend has falcons and archery, a dog competition (so bring your own favourite mut!), a tented village and farmers' market. Tattersalls' beautiful country house facilities will have seminars running on looking after your pet, personal finance and a chance to learn about styling and make-up.

And then there's those who like to be part of the action but prefer to relax with a glass of wine! They can still be take part in the magnificent marquee overlooking the main arena where lunches and teas will be served throughout the day.

Zara Phillips and her dog Sway examine a fence on the cross country course at Tattersalls International Horse Trials incorporating the HSBC FEI World Cup ^TM Eventing Qualifier which takes place 28-31 May 2009 at Tattersalls in Ratoath, Co Meath

Enjoying the limelight, Polly Stockton overnight leader in the HSBC FEI World Cup ^TM Eventing Qualifier taking place this weekend at Tattersalls Co Meath.

For more information and results: www.tattersalls.ie/events

Press information: contact Claire Faulkner
Tel 0044 (0) 7703 534623
claire@project-planning.com