Tara Dunne

RIDERS have expressed concern about changes to the 2016 Gain/Alltech Autumn Grand Prix League, which is set to be reduced in height from 1.40m to 1.35m.

The change will increase the number of 1.35m leagues run throughout the jumping season to six and mean that there will be no 1.40m classes in Ireland from late September this year until April 2017, with the exception of Cavan International.

The prize fund for the autumn league has also been reduced by one-third from €3,000 to €2,000 per day.

Opponents to the changes say it reduces the standard of competition in Ireland and will encourage more riders to travel abroad.

Two-time Autumn Grand Prix champion Alexander Butler told The Irish Field: “I’d heard this might happen and I had hoped it wouldn’t be the case. I’ve followed the league the past number of years, it was a good height to step up seven-year-olds without over doing – it gave you a good idea of where you were at with a horse and what plan to put into effect for the following year.

“For me, with the older more experienced horses, there is no point to jumping a 1.35m. There is no point being in Ireland for the indoor season now, the only draw is the international show in Cavan.”

He added: “I think the (1.35m) Spring Tour is great to start the year, it’s a nice stepping stone to get horses up and running, but I think finishing the season with 1.35m is dropping a level – we need to keep the standard.”

Butler continued: “Over the last maybe four years I think things have been getting worse. Shows need more support and backing and we need to really promote the sport to keep riders here.

“If you have good older horses the only option is to travel and for owners to sell horses on, which is further lowering the standard. I have been looking into relocating to Europe for part of the season next year because of this, I would continue to produce the young horses out of Ireland though.”

Stuart Clarke of Cavan EC, host venue for three rounds of the league, said: “From a business point of view, it’s a good thing for entries and certainly shows will benefit from it being 1.35m for that reason.

Looking at it as a supporter of the sport however I think it’s a pity to drop a level. I thought it was best to keep to 1.40m but I didn’t get an opportunity to put it to a consensus yet and I think it should be looked at by the riders.”

John Floody, the reigning autumn league champion, said: “The league probably loses importance a bit at 1.35m, it definitely takes from the prestige of it. But it probably comes down to a business decision – you get more entries at 1.35m level.”

Showjumping Ireland’s national competitions chairman Eamon Rice told The Irish Field that the change was prompted by feedback from riders and centres.

“We have had riders sit in on national competition meetings all year to contribute on a number of issues. 1.40m is a psychological number for some riders and I think 1.35m will entice more riders to jump, which is advantageous for centres. The other issue was the geographical spread of the league, dropping the height convinced more centres to come on board. It’s a win for riders and centres.”

Addressing rider concerns about the standard of jumping, Rice said: “I don’t think 5cms will drop the standard, 50% of the track can actually be built at 1.40m under the rules and course builders will build according to a start list.

“I feel the majority of riders didn’t feel they had the horses to jump at 1.40m and we are giving those people and their owners an opportunity to jump. The National and Premier leagues are being looked at with a view to being upgraded next year.”