GAIN Equine Nutrition, in collaboration with Alltech and Showjumping Ireland, launched the Autumn Grand Prix Series this week, a dynamic new initiative set to energise the Irish show jumping calendar this autumn.

Spanning six premier equestrian venues across the country, the series will run as a seven-part competition, featuring both 1.40m Grand Prix classes and a 1.20m Series class, with events taking place in both indoor and outdoor arenas.

This initiative represents a significant investment in the sport, with a guaranteed minimum prize fund of €6,000 per leg. Each Grand Prix (1.40m) will carry a €4,000 prize pool, while the 1.20m Series will offer €2,000 in prize money, aimed at attracting both elite competitors and emerging talent.

Delight

Philip Gilligan, Country Manager for Gain Equine Nutrition in Ireland, expressed his enthusiasm for the new series: “We are delighted to partner with Alltech and Showjumping Ireland on the Autumn Grand Prix Series.

“This new initiative underlines our shared commitment to supporting Irish show jumping, particularly at a time when riders and venues alike are working hard to extend the season and provide more opportunities for competition. By investing in both the Grand Prix and 1.20m Series Classes, we hope to create a platform that benefits professionals and aspiring riders alike, while strengthening the calendar for the sport.”

Sarah Maher, Regional Manager Alltech Ireland, spoke of her excitement for the new series: “Alltech has worked with GAIN Equine Nutrition and Showjumping Ireland over the past number of years to support Irish show jumping. The launch of the new Autumn Grand Prix Series marks a very exciting development in our long-standing relationship.

“This series is designed to give Irish riders an outlet to compete at a high level during the Autumn months.

“At Alltech, we have long championed the importance of adequate preparation and nutrition in achieving peak performance for high-performance horses. We are delighted to contribute to this goal through the Alltech additives featured in the GAIN Equine Nutrition feed portfolio, and now also through this new Autumn Grand Prix Series, an event we are confident will be competitive, thrilling and highly rewarding.”

Support

Ronan Corrigan, chair of the Management and Finance committee at SJI, welcomed the continuation of the organisation’s partnership with Gain and Alltech for the Autumn Series. Speaking on the launch, he said: “The purpose of developing this series at this time of the year is to ensure support and activity is ongoing through the Autumn and Winter. This is extremely important to the shows, venues, riders, owners and breeders, who now have a well-funded series to follow across two height categories, 1.20m and 1.40m, which will encourage and assist all stakeholders during what might previously have been a quiet time within the sector.”

The Autumn Series takes place at: Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre - September 11th; Cavan Equestrian Centre - October 11th (1.20m); Garranemore Equestrian Centre - October 18th; Sceilig Equestrian - October 25th; Wexford Equestrian Centre - November 1st; Cavan Equestrian Centre - November 9th (1.40m); Emerald Equestrian - November 30th.