CELEBRATING its 30th anniversary, entries for the 2017 National Balmoral Championships are now open.

Established in 1987 by the late Dr Ernie Logan and Richard Lyttle, the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Ulster Showjumping’ has gone from strength to strength. Starting life in the Balmoral complex at the Kings Hall, Belfast, and more recently in Balmoral Park, the organising committee of the championships is going all out to make the 30th celebration a memorable one.

Running from July 16-19th, the National Balmoral Championships see SJI chairman Ray Buchanan once again taking up the reins as show director. Buchanan said he is looking forward to celebrating our 30th anniversary of National Balmoral Championships at Balmoral Park.

“I believe we have an action packed programme to suit all, ranging from novice to international level with top-class jumping conditions guaranteed on the magnificent grass arenas at Balmoral Park.”

The course designer is Rafael Suarez, who is also assistant show director.

With a full schedule on offer throughout the four-day event, Sunday and Monday will see an array of classes for all levels of horses, from four-year-olds up to 1.30m, as well as young rider and amateur classes also being catered for.

Tuesday, July 18th will be ‘Championship Day’ where many of the classes will come to an end to crown the 2017 National Balmoral Champions. Tuesday will also see the Balmoral International Arena also play host to the ‘New Heights’ Grand Prix Series.

The final day of the show, is ‘Pony Day’ where all three arenas at the complex will be devoted to pony and children on horses classes, with champions being crowned in all classes.

Classes will be available for all levels, making the National Balmoral Chanpionships a show for the whole family.

Entries, hook-up and stabling entry forms are now available to download from the Ulster Region Website (www.ulstershowjumping.ie).