THERE is every chance that this weekend I will be struck down with ‘equine overload’. I certainly enjoy being busy, but this weekend will, to be frank, test me to the full.

Bilocation is the supposed phenomenon of being in two places simultaneously. Over the next two days I would love to have that ability. The Derby will take centre stage today, with the French version headlining tomorrow.

Domestic racing abounds with six meetings countrywide over the next three days, while the 13th Tattersalls International Event and Country Fair draws to a close tomorrow. In the midlands, Mullingar Equestrian Centre plays host, including on Monday, to their 11th International 2* Horse Show with €100,000 on offer and nine international classes.

George Mernagh was born 63 years ago on June 1st and how appropriate that the mastermind of the Tattersalls Event should be remembered during the week. His foresight is to be lauded, as is the determination of the Tattersalls board to stay with the event. They have been rewarded with growing support from the public.

Hats off also to Robert Fagan in Mullingar. While it may be considered unfortunate that we have two major equestrian events on at the same time, both have grown in recent years. This is due in no small measure to a level of hard work, grit and utter determination on the part of Robert, his family and staff in Mullingar.

His efforts have been recognised and rewarded, not least by the backing he receives now from Devenish Health. If you have an opportunity to visit Mullingar this weekend, please do. It is deserving of all our support.

Being an island nation, on the periphery of Europe, means that travelling to events here is all the more difficult. Praise therefore for the more than 20 Olympians who have graced Tattersalls with their presence this week, endorsing the event and its growing status in the world of eventing. You are all welcome here and hopefully you will all become ambassadors for next year’s staging.

Finally, I would like to say a word about an army of people without whom the event would not be possible. They are the legions of volunteers who keep the engine going, their myriad tasks too large in numbers to list here. You all deserve our thanks and appreciation.