THE 2021 Horse Sport Ireland Premier Series kicks off tomorrow (Sunday) at Barnadown in Co Wexford and features an increased prize fund of over €75,000.
The HSI Premier Series is the country’s leading show jumping series at national level and each leg will have a minimum prize fund of €15,000. The HSI Premier Series overall leading horse and rider combination will be crowned ‘Irish National Show Jumping Champions’ for 2021.
HSI Interim CEO Joe Reynolds said: “Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to support such an important initiative in the show jumping calendar. The equestrian industry, like so many industries, has suffered because of the ongoing global pandemic, however we are delighted to support this year’s HSI Premier Series with a prize fund of €75,000 which is an increase of €20,000 compared to 2020.
“The HSI Premier Series will see Ireland’s best horse and rider combinations showcase show jumping throughout the country. Although the early legs of the series will take place behind closed doors, the live streaming of all legs will allow these horse and rider combinations access to a global audience and with the support and help of the venues, I am confident that we can promote Ireland as the ‘Land of the Horse’,” he added.
Chairman of Showjumping Ireland, Eamon Rice, added: “For 2021 the HSI Premier Series, which is sponsored by HSI in conjunction with SJI, has taken an even more significant role in providing competition for our home-based riders, who are experiencing difficulty with international travel, due to the reduction of international shows and Covid restrictions. The Horse Sport Ireland Premier Series now offers top level competition and prize money for our national and international riders. We wish all competitors a successful campaign.”
The HSI Premier series was won in 2020 by Capt Geoff Curran who is hoping to retain his title.“I am looking forward to the 2021 Premier Series and once again this year the series is being run at fantastic venues. I am sure there will be great competition as many of our best horses will be staying in Ireland this year to compete,” said Capt. Curran.