MILLSTREET's Noel C. Duggan and his son Thomas have done it again, this time making a spectacular splash into international eventing, opening a new horse trials course that is already the talk of the world’s top event riders.

Designed by world renowned course designer, Britain’s Mike Etherington-Smith, its inaugural event last weekend saw many top international riders, including New Zealand Olympic gold medallist Blyth Tait, describe the new Co Cork horse trials course as one of the best he had ever seen in the world.

Click here for more coverage of Millstreet in this week's The Irish Field

The Duggans, who famously brought the 1993 Eurovision Song Contest to the small North Cork town against all the odds, will be hosting major European championship events at the picturesque venue amid plans for Millstreet to become one of the few four-star courses in the world.

Thomas Duggan said of the venue with its stunning Clara mountain and Drishane Castle backdrop: "We are just polishing a diamond."

Below is a bird’s eye view of the new Millstreet/Drishane Castle International Horse Trials course

Here's a flavour of some of the international reaction:

"Just walked the cross-country. One of the most stunning I have ever seen."

New Zealand Olympic gold medallist Blyth Tait.

"Mike Etherington-Smith has done an incredible job, the courses are inspiring."

New Zealand chef d'equipe, Eric Duvander.

"The event has massive potential and the cross-country was hugely impressive."

British international rider Nicky Roncoroni.

"This has gone above everything we imagined. It's the most beautifully detailed cross-country course I have ever come across and it was so good to be able to work and jump the horses on all-weather surfaces."

Jesse Campbell, New Zealand international rider.

"Absolutely fabulous."

Sharon Hunt, Olympic bronze medallist and assistant British Junior squad coach.

"If Carlsberg did eventing, it would probably be called Millstreet."

Sarah Ennis, Irish international rider.

"The course is beautifully presented in the most stunning location. It's the best I've ever seen and has championship written all over it."

Nick Gauntlett, British international rider.

Click here for more coverage of Millstreet in this week's The Irish Field