TATTERSALLS Ireland yesterday (Monday) launched the Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair, in association with Horse Sport Ireland, which takes place from 26th to 29th May 2011 at Ratoath in Co Meath.

Chairman of Horse Sport Ireland, Joe Walsh, said; “Tattersalls has attracted the best riders in the world to this top class event. It is a great opportunity for people to see the best international riders in the world competing on our own doorstep.”

The popularity of this international event grows in status every year with almost 300 top international horses and riders gathering in the Co Meath venue to take part in one of the most demanding sports in the world.

For the first time, the event will feature a top-ranked CCI 3* class, and world-renowned rider Ian Stark has been engaged as course designer, producing a new and exciting cross country course. Tattersalls is hosting no less than seven classes over the weekend including The Irish Field CCI 3*, the Tattersalls Ireland Event Horse Sale CIC 3*, the Rookery Park sponsored CCI 2* and CCI 1*, The Eventing Ireland sponsored Under 25 class, the Tattersalls Ireland Autumn Festival of Eventing Junior class, and the Dunboyne Castle Pony class.

It has also been confirmed that HRH Princess Haya of Jordan, president of the world governing body, the FEI, will be visiting Tattersalls during the weekend of the Horse Trials.

Said Managing Director of Tattersalls Ireland, George Mernagh; “We are proud to host this prestigious world class event at Tattersalls Ireland. There will be plenty of action to watch over the weekend with cross country taking place for the first time over two days. As the event has grown over the years, so has the interest from non-equestrian visitors and this year we are delighted to see so many fun activities taking place in the Country Fair which runs alongside the International Horse Trials.”

In fact the non-horsey members of the family will find themselves spoilt for choice. Carnival stalls with horse shoe throwing, Hook a Duck, a rifle range and archery as well as vintage tractors and cars, crafts and shopping mall make for an outing in themselves, especially with the range of speciality foods, arena restaurant and bar to visit. Kids will be kept busy with pony rides, dog competitions, face painting and pets’ corner as well as a merry-go-round and slide.

Picnics and barbecues will be the order of the day! Spectators on Saturday 28th 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 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 29th May.

For more information and to book tickets go to

www.tattersalls.ie

Pictured at the launch of Tattersalls Ireland International Horse Trials & Country Fair 2011, in association with Horse Sport Ireland, are Ian Stark, cross country course designer, alongside 5 year old Tighe Wardell, from Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow, aboard Twilight the pony.