THE Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Horse Project team has confirmed they will again sponsor a €1,000 prize to the breeder of the highest placed Irish-bred horse in the €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix at the Dublin Horse Show on Sunday, August 10th.

The initiative, launched last year by the IFA Horse Project team, is aimed at raising the profile of Irish breeders and giving something back for their invaluable efforts. “Breeders are the lifeblood of every equestrian discipline, and they need support and encouragement like never before. It’s just a small token that we thought was important to give in recognition of the breeders and we were delighted last year for GRS Lady Amaro to finish so high [runner-up]. Hopefully we will see something similar this year,” IFA Horse Project team chair, Conor O’Leary, said.

“We feel the recognition for breeders is lacking all round and we do have a budget submission to the government that thoughts should be given to prize money and a percentage should go to the breeders. We will push for that,” he added.

Last year’s winner of the €1,000 prize was Wexford’s Denis Hickey, breeder of GRS Lady Amaro (Amaretto D’Arco x Over The River) who finished second in the Grand Prix with his nephew, Mark McAuley.

The mare was produced by Denis’ son Patrick who is the reigning national show jumping champion in Ireland. GRS Lady Amaro has since been sold to Coolmore Showjumping and is seen under the saddle of Max Wachman.

The winning horse must have breeding recorded and finish in the top 10 of Grand Prix to be eligible for the prize.