THE 2026 GAIN Alltech Autumn Grand Prix Series got off to a strong start at Mullingar Equestrian Centre on Saturday, with riders from across Ireland competing in the opening leg of the popular autumn show jumping series. Now in its second year, the series continues to showcase the strength of the collaboration between GAIN Equine Nutrition, Alltech and ShowJumping Ireland, delivering high-quality competition opportunities for riders and helping to support the wider sport throughout the autumn season.

The 2026 programme will visit six leading venues nationwide, featuring seven competition dates and classes at both 1.40m and 1.20m level. It represents a significant investment in Irish show jumping, with a guaranteed minimum prize fund of €6,000 available at each combined-class leg, comprising €4,000 for the 1.40m Grand Prix and €2,000 for the 1.20m Series class.

Mullingar Equestrian Centre welcomed a strong field of competitors for the opening round, highlighting the continued demand for high-quality national competitions and providing an encouraging start to the series.

Niall O’Neill of GAIN Equine Nutrition, said: “Mullingar was an excellent venue to open the series. Its reputation as one of Ireland’s leading show jumping centres, combined with the quality of the course and facilities, provided the ideal setting for the first leg of the competition.

“GAIN Equine Nutrition is proud to support initiatives that create meaningful competition opportunities for riders throughout the autumn. This series helps sustain activity within the sport and gives competitors a valuable platform to continue progressing during the latter part of the season.”

Rebecca Gallagher of Alltech Ireland added: “It was fantastic to see the series begin so positively at Mullingar. The calibre of competition and strong rider turnout highlight the strength of Irish show jumping. Our collaboration with GAIN Equine Nutrition and ShowJumping Ireland is focused on strengthening the wider equestrian community and helping to ensure a vibrant future for the sport.”

Anna Smith from ShowJumping Ireland noted: “The first leg delivered exactly the type of sporting event we hoped to see, with strong participation and an excellent standard of performance throughout the day. The autumn calendar plays an important role in helping horse and rider combinations gain valuable experience, build confidence and test themselves at quality venues nationwide.”

Attention now turns to the remaining legs of the series, which will continue as follows: