Tattersalls International Horse Trials incorporating the HSBC FEI World Cup ^TM Eventing Qualifier

Tattersalls Festival

Tattersalls International Horse Trials incorporating the HSBC FEI World Cup tm Eventing Qualifier - 27-30 May 2010

Tattersalls Ireland world class again!
Tattersalls Ireland International Horse Trials has been awarded World Cup status for the third year running. The Tattersalls International Horse Trials incorporating the HSBC FEI World Cup tm Eventing Qualifier takes place 27-30 May 2010.

The popular Co Meath event is one of only 12 events in the world to be nominated by the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) to host a qualifier for the HSBC FEI World Cup tm Eventing series. After 12 qualifying events in 10 countries across 3 continents, the 15 most successful riders will share a valuable prize fund worth US$180,000 and excitement is sure to mount as the climax of the season approaches at Schenefeld (GER) at the end of August.

Tattersalls will be the sixth event in the series. Said George Mernagh, Managing Director of Tattersalls Ireland, "It is a tribute to everyone involved in staging an event of this calibre that we are once more hosting the HSBC FEI World Cup Qualifier. I look forward to welcoming back another large contingent of international riders to challenge our top Irish event riders."

The first event in the World Cup series took place last week at Tallahassee, Florida (USA) and was won by an Irish bred horse, the 15 year old 'Nicky Henley' ridden by Mara Dean, USA. Course Designer Hugh Lochore, who designed the course at the Florida event is on course to return to Tattersalls as cross country course designer for the 2010 event. "I am really looking forward to being back at Tattersalls. No stone is left unturned in the search for the highest standards there. And the hospitality is legendary!"

Said Joe Walsh, Chairman of Horse Sport Ireland," The last two years have seen Irish competitors win the Irish qualifier at Tattersalls, Captain Geoff Curran riding the Irish Sport Horse Kilkishen in 2008 and Patricia Ryan on the Irish bred Fernhill Clover Mist in 2009, each time against the strongest competition from overseas. We are delighted that the event is being staged once more at the superb facilities at Tattersalls. It is a wonderful showcase for our top Irish riders and horses".

"Last year some 10,000 spectators flocked to watch the action here," said Chairman of Tattersalls Ireland, Edmond Mahony, "We are expecting even more visitors this year. We are very grateful to the sponsors who make the event possible. The series would not happen without the worldwide support of HSBC, and we are delighted that we will be welcoming back to Tattersalls the support of Horse Sport Ireland and Eventing Ireland as well as the very generous sponsorship of Rookery Park Stud and our long standing sponsor Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa, as well as receiving the support of Failte Ireland ".

Due to popular demand an expanded tented village is planned this year and details of this as well as a special picnic area will be announced soon.

For further information, and details for entries, check out the website at www.tattersalls.ie

Note to Editors:
For information contact:
Claire Faulkner on claire@project-planning.com or tel 0044 (0) 7703534623

HSBC FEI World Cup Qualifiers

1. Tallahassee (USA), 5-7 March
2. Kihikihi (NZL), 2-4 April
3. Sydney (AUS), 7-9 May
4. Marbach (GER), 7-9 May
5. Chatsworth (GBR), 15-16 May
6. Tattersalls (IRL), 27-30 May
7. Strzegom (POL), 24-27 June
8. Minsk (BLR), 21-25 July
9. Rebecca Farm, Kalispell (USA), 22-25 July
10. Malmö (SWE), 13-15 August
11. Martinvast (FRA) TBC, 18-22 August
12. Schenefeld (GER), 26-29 August