Widger is our September Star

WATERFORD’S Sam Widger is The Irish Field/Gain Equine Nutrition Star of the Month for September. Widger followed up the silver medal he won as part of the Irish team at the FEI Jumping European Championships for Ponies in Le Mans, France, in August, with a gold at the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken. Riding Vintage van de Heyveldhoeve for Gary Ryan and Ballypatrick Stables, Widger was one of 15 competitors to produce two clear rounds over the 1.25m tracks in the five-year-old final. Despite being the youngest rider in the class, he secured the top spot by riding a carefully-judged round to finish closest to the optimum time. Widger then challenged for a medal in the six-year-old equivalent, this time riding the Irish Sport Horse BP Wishes, and he narrowly missed out on a podium placing to finish fourth of the 42 starters, all on his first appearance at these championships.

Wachman suspended

TIPPERARY show jumper Max Wachman has fallen foul of the new FEI blood rules and, following his second Jumping Recorded Warning in 12 months, he has been suspended for one month and issued a fine of CHF 1,000. Article 259 regarding the Jumping Recorded Warnings was part of the reconstruction of the FEI jumping rules, which came into effect in January 2026.

The rules state that any blood on the horse, caused by tack or equipment or any athlete-induced blood detected during a competition will result in warnings. Should the same person responsible receive two or more Jumping Recorded Warnings at the same or any other event within 12 months of the delivery of the first Jumping Recorded Warning, the person responsible shall be issued with a fine of CHF 1,000 and be automatically suspended for a period of one month. Some 19 riders have been suspended since the rule was introduced.

Treo Eile/IPC Aftercare Award

NOW in its second year of running, the Treo Eile-sponsored IPC Thoroughbred Aftercare Award is presented to the Irish Pony Club member who has offered a second career to a thoroughbred, whether retired out of training or perhaps never made it to the racetrack. It acknowledges the partnership’s retraining journey, the aftercare afforded to the racehorse, the retraining route and the enjoyment from having the horse. The award encompasses all IPC members with a thoroughbred, who compete at any IPC organised event (rallies, camps etc.). The closing date for applications is November 6th, 2026. Visit www.treoeile.com for the entry form.

The Irish Field Directory 2027

STUD farms and organisations already listed in The Irish Field Directory were emailed by The Irish Field this week with details on how their listings can be updated for the 2027 edition. The deadline for submitting fresh information is next Friday, October 30th. The 2027 Directory will be free with The Irish Field on December 5th. To add new listings, email directory@theirishfield.ie and to enquire about advertising email adverts@theirishfield.ie