Dale is our Star of the Month

AMATEUR event rider Samantha Dale has been voted Gain Equine Nutrition\The Irish Field Star of the Month for April, after she won the EI100 (Amateur) classes at each of the three spring fixtures at the Corbett family’s Tyrella. Riding Katherine O’Hare’s 15-year-old Calgot Hero gelding Keonan Hero, she led from the off at the third of these events to claim the 16-starter class on her very impressive dressage score of 22.3. This combination have since made the step up to EI110 (Amateur) level, finishing fourth at Vesey Lodge with a jumping double clear, and have also completed the CCI1*-Intro at Millstreet.

McCarthy loses top horse

GOTCHA, the ride of Irish international show jumper Simon McCarthy, has died. A 15-year-old mare (Stakkato x Cassini I), Gotcha recorded several wins around the world up to five-star level with McCarthy in the saddle. Their last victory together was in March 2025 when they won the CSI3* 1.50m Alltech Grand Prix at the World Equestrian Centre in Ocala.

“For the last five years, Gotcha wasn’t just the head of our stables; she was the heart of them,” said McCarthy on social media. “She was the biggest personality in the barn, and without question the most influential horse in my career. The hole she has left behind is impossible to put into words. I am absolutely devastated.”

Passing of Rosaleen Smyth

THE death has taken place of Rosaleen Smyth from Killult in Co Donegal. She is survived by her sons Greg and Christopher, and her extended family. Smyth was a member of the Donegal Gaeltacht Riding Club, while her late husband Lawrence sat on the Board of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs (AIRC). The organisation paid tribute to her last week: “Rosaleen was a wonderful supporter of riding clubs and travelled the length and breadth of the country, attending events and supporting members. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and everyone at Donegal Gaeltacht Riding Club at this very sad time.”

New Royal Dublin Society President

At the Annual General Meeting of the Royal Dublin Society on Thursday, May 28th, Hilary Hough was elected President, succeeding former Senator John Dardis.

A long-standing member of the Society, Mr Hough has previously served as Vice President and Chairman of the Management Board. He brings extensive experience from a senior career at Bank of Ireland, is a Chartered Certified Accountant and Chartered Director, and is Adjunct Associate Professor at Trinity Business School. He also serves on the boards of the National Concert Hall and the National Gallery of Ireland.

He assumes the role at a significant moment for the RDS, with the new Laya Arena, Nations Cup centenary and a strong partner portfolio, all to be showcased at the Dublin Horse Show on August 5th, 2026.

Passing of Miceal Casey

THE Irish Draught Horse Breeders’ Association paid tribute to Miceal Casey of Mohill, Co Leitrim, who died last week. He is survived by his wife Madge and extended family. A renowned judge and supporter of shows, the IDHBA described him as “a man with a great eye for a horse, and always there for advice”. The association’s tribute continued: “He travelled throughout the country to shows putting his talent and skills to good use. Miceal loved the Leitrim breeders’ mare and foal class at the Mohill Show every year. He was a great supporter of shows and, even if he wasn’t judging, you would catch a glimpse of him and his wife Madge, sitting at the ringside taking it all in. A true horse man, indeed a true gentleman.”

Mohill Show organised a guard of honour for his removal to St Patrick’s Church, Mohill, yesterday evening (Friday) and his funeral mass takes place today at noon. A further tribute to Miceal will appear in a future issue.

Equine Influenza Advisory

HORSE Sport Ireland has asked stakeholders in the equestrian world to remain vigilant following increased equine influenza activity circulating within the sport horse population. Equine influenza is a highly contagious, viral respiratory disease, which spreads through close contact, respiratory droplets and contaminated equipment or clothing. Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, depression and reduced appetite.

Horse owners are encouraged to make sure their animals’ vaccinations are up to date in accordance with best practice, to isolate and monitor new arrivals for infection and to seek veterinary advice promptly if symptoms arise. HSI has also reminded stakeholders who wish to review the biosecurity practices in their yards that they may avail of the subsidised Irish Equine Centre environmental testing scheme, more information about which can be found on the HSI website.

Young Eventhorse Series returns

THE 2026 Young Eventhorse Series (YES!) gets under way next Tuesday, June 2nd, when Jim and Bronagh Stevenson host the first qualifier at Tullylish.

The series will then move on to Scarteen (June 9th) before making a return to the previously-used Co Wexford venue of Forth Mountain (June 16th). It will conclude, as usual, at Rincoola (June 30th).

The series is also used as a conduit for the event horse classes at Dublin (four-year-olds, five-year-olds and Junior/Young Rider horses) and the link with the RDS will be more pronounced this season, as all four YES venues will, on the same day, host the newly-introduced qualifiers for the five working hunter classes at the Ballsbridge showgrounds.

On the four Saturdays following these qualifiers, the venues will open up again for the ridden Connemara, Connemara performance hunter and performance Irish Draught qualifiers for Dublin.