TATTERSALLS Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland today (Wednesday) launched the Tattersalls Festival which takes place 27-30 May 2010 at Ratoath in Co Meath.

Top international horses and riders will be gathering in the Co Meath venue to take part in one of the most demanding sports in the world at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials, incorporating the HSBC FEI World Cup Eventing™ Qualifier.

Said Managing Director of Tattersalls Ireland, George Mernagh, “We are proud to host this prestigious world class event at Tattersalls Ireland. As the event has grown over the years, so has the interest from non equestrian visitors, particularly families looking for a fun day out. As a result we have this year expanded the event and are delighted to announce the new Tattersalls Festival.”

The Tattersalls Festival will include a Festival Village with crafts, shopping mall and tasty local produce from Good Food Ireland as well as a host of activities for children and adults alike from dog competitions and archery to face painting and kids’ games.

With a view to nurturing those equestrian stars of the future, the Tattersalls Festival will feature the inaugural ‘Front Runner – Eventing for Kids’. Mirroring the popular ‘Front Runner- Racing Club for Kids’ familiar to many junior race goers, children will have the opportunity to learn more about the sport of Eventing, providing an insight into caring for an Event horse as well the disciplines undertaken over the three days. Through props and visuals (and a lot of fun), kids will get to know ‘Who’s who and what’s what’ in the world of eventing.

Said regular Tattersalls visitor, Co Meath based rugby international, Leo Cullen, “This event has expanded beyond all recognition. It’s a great day out, especially if like me, you enjoy horses, but from a distance! There’s lots of fun activities going on. I’m looking forward to spending time soaking up the atmosphere and the dogs will enjoy it too!”

Picnics and barbecues will be the order of the day! Spectators on Saturday 29 May will be able to watch the thrills and spills of cross country day by booking a picnic site close up to the excitement of the water fence where the whole family can enjoy the action with the car adjacent with all the picnic gear.

Those who wish to relax with a glass of wine can still watch the action in a magnificent new Moscow Flyer Pavilion where three-course lunches will be served at reserved tables overlooking the arena, an ideal spot to view the excitement of the finale of the show jumping on Sunday 30 May.

“It’s wonderful to see Tattersalls expand like this,” said Joe Walsh, Chairman of Horse Sport Ireland. “ When we are all experiencing so many difficulties in the current economic environment it is great to have this kind of investment that gives our hard pressed equestrian community such a boost on the world stage. The Tattersalls Festival helps to promote and develop our own talented Irish horses and riders, and this year it is great to see the encouragement being given to young people and children too.”

Further information and to book tickets and picnic sites go to www.tattersalls.ie
 

Leinster captain Leo Cullen and model Lynn Kelly at the Tattersalls launch