FERNHILL Sport Horses is to be the new title sponsors for July’s international horse trials at Kilguilkey House, it has been announced.

Carol Gee’s Kilkenny yard has enjoyed a long association with the Co Cork venue, and having sponsored the CIC two-star class last year, Gee has decided to put her weight behind the entire venture.

“The event will be known as the Fernhill Kilguilkey International Horse Trials,” revealed organiser Danny Dulohery.

“Carol and her team have supported all our national events from the very beginning and have always had a genuine interest in the development of the track and overall facilities – to have them on board as the title sponsor will be a massive boost to the event.”

Another prominent firm renewing links with the fixture is Pegus Horse Feeds, who will support the CIC two-star class on June 17th-21st.

“Tony Hurley and Declan Cullen of Pegus have a deep knowledge and passion for eventing and show jumping and, fittingly, Pegus Horse Feed is milled just several miles away from Kilguilkey,” said Dulohery.

Further news to break is that British international course designer Mike Etherington-Smith will be at the helm for 2015.

The Olympic and World Equestrian Games designer, who worked alongside Dulohery at the European Pony Championships at Millstreet last year, will undoubtedly put his own unique stamp on the course. “Mike’s wealth of knowledge and experience will take the track at Kilguilkey to another level,” added Dulohery. “There will be considerable changes to the existing track, and the new fences, complexes and routes will make it feel very refreshing and exciting. We are delighted to have this opportunity.”