Mullingar International Grand Prix prize jumps to 23,000 Euro

COMPETITION will once again be in full swing for this year’s show jumping classes at the 2013 Mullingar Country Fayre and International Horse Festival, which gets underway next Friday 31st of May.

The four-day CSI2*show, now in its 21st year, and sixth year as an international, has quickly grown to become a major fixture on the Irish show jumping calendar, with over €80,000 in prize money to be won.

Show director Robert Fagan is confident ahead of what is anticipated to be yet another great weekend. “Once again we have a large number of entries for this year’s international classes and I anticipate that we will have an excellent four days of competition. Entrants will be very pleased as we have upgraded our facilities with extension to the practice ring, construction of a new roadway access point and upgrading of the main grass arena and car and lorry parking facilities”.

This year, emphasis has been placed on presenting a wide variety of events to please all visitors. “We will be offering much more than just show jumping; families can also enjoy live music, a food fair and dog shows over the weekend. We also have a hunt chase and once again the extremely popular ridden hunter classes with additional working hunter classes.

“We are particularly looking forward to hosting the second leg of the Redmills GBI Tour. There will be €10,000 on offer to the leading rider from five shows and the following legs after Mullingar are the Royal Highland Show in Scotland (June 21st- 23rd), the British Masters at Southview, England (July 4th-7th) and finally, back in Ireland, the Millstreet International August 15th-18th”.

Local rider Robert Harrison will be certainly vying for the prize as he impressively sits in tenth position on the Redmills GBI league table, leading the way for the Irish. However the competition will be tough as winner of the recent first leg of the Premier Series Paddy O’Donnell is also set to compete. Other Irish entries include recent Balmoral winners, Alexander Butler and Gerard Clarke.

The €23,000 Mullingar International Supporters’ Grand Prix, also the second leg of the lucrative Premier Series, is the feature international class of nine in total. As in previous years, the Pegus Horse Feeds Puissance is the highlight on Sunday. This will be a qualifier for the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show.

Also on Sunday are the finals for the HSI Irish Sport Horse Studbook Series, qualifiers of which take place the previous day. An impressive €10,000 prize is on offer for this series.

“This is a show not to be missed as it leads the way in equine events with diversity, quality and experience,” said Robert Harrison.

Food Frenzy

The Food fair at the 2013 Country Fayre will be one of the tastiest and most diverse that we have catered for to date. With interest in locally produced, we can assure the visitor of top quality locally sourced award winning food.

Enjoy the taste of Joe Brady’s Lough Owel organic burgers or sample some of John Rogan smokehouse bacon whilst enjoying the atmosphere of the show. You may also take this time to browse the equestrian stalls and see what our local crafts people have on offer.

‘It’s Childs Play’

CHILDREN will be well-entertained at the show, with free pony rides, face painting, Animal Pet Farm, climbing wall, archery, a fun fair and lots more.

Local junior riders from Westmeath are excited about tearing it up with the professionals for the annual Pro-Am competition on Monday. Some of the children who are taking part are, Emma Hetherton, Amy Cullen, Chloe Crowley, Orla Cuffe, Sophie Treanor, Katie Leavy, Jodie Flanagan, Robin Fagan and Chloe Fagan. This knockout event, which will be in aid of Westmeath Hospice, will be sure to generate great excitement.

Get chasing

THE hunt chase on Sunday gets underway at 2pm. It will again be a qualifier for the Dublin Horse Show and a great turn-out is expected. Meanwhile, the Westmeath Foxhounds will parade in the main arena on Monday. There is also a triple bar challenge at 3pm on Sunday, entries will be taken on the day.

Canine Challenge

Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome to participate in what is sure to be a brilliant show at the Country Fayre. Come and support man’s best friend as they attempt to win the large dog high jump title Monday at 2pm date or our smaller friends at 1pm. Renowned International Dog Behaviourist and Trainer to judge, Sarah Noegard, will be in attendance to lend her expertise.

From the small terrier to the gentle giant of the Irish wolfhound, families are sure to enjoy all the delights of these animals over the weekend of the Country Fayre.

Derravarragh, Lilliput and Midland’s Championships

There will be €8,000 on offer in the Derravarragh and Midland’s classics. The qualifiers for both will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the final on Monday. Also €2,500 is on offer to the competitors of the Lilliput one meter competition. A full program of pony events will take place, starting on the Monday at 9am.

Sportsman classes

The sportsman classes take place on the Monday, which are open to all competitors, bring great opportunities for young promising riders to compete at a major international show. Classes are from lead rein to one meter. Rosettes will be presented to all.