Connemara Pony Sales postponed
THE Connemara Pony Sales due to take place in Clifden, Co Galway, today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday) were postponed at the 11th hour at lunchtime on Friday. In a statement, mart manager Padraic Heanue said: “It is with regret that following consultation with the Gardaí and the authorities that we feel that the correct course of action is to postpone this weekend’s two-day sale of Connemara Ponies until further notice.”
The news came as a blow to buyers and sellers, many of whom had arrived in Clifden for the sale.
Ireland back in Nations Cup action
AS we went to press, the three-star Nations Cup in Prague, Czech Republic, concluded with Ireland finishing in second place on eight faults behind The Netherlands. Michael Blake’s team of Mark McAuley (Jasco VD Bisschop), Bertram Allen (Gun Powder), Michael Duffy (Jeff Ten Halven) and Anthony Condon (SFS Aristio) were joint leaders at the half-way stage on zero faults with clears from McAuley, Allen and Condon. McAuley produced the team’s only double clear round. A total of 13 teams lined out for what was the first team competition since the resumption of sport following Covid-19 earlier this year. Full report in next week’s paper.
IBC hospitality
SADLY, due to strict Covid-19 regulations, the Irish Breeders’ Classic committee regret to announce they will not be able to host a hospitality tent for the sponsors of the event which takes place next weekend, August 27th-30th. They wish to thank all their sponsors for their generous donations.
Events off
DUE to heavy rain, and with more bad weather forecast, Eventing Ireland announced the cancellation of both Hillcrest and Loughanmore events this weekend. The fixture at Blackstairs due to be held on Sunday, August 30th, has been cancelled. Frankfort Stud will now run on that date. Meanwhile, The Joe Duffy-sponsored National Tetrathlon Championships, due to be held this weekend, was cancelled earlier this week. See Irish Pony Club news updates on page 96.
River Lodge Equestrian dates
DUE to dangerous weather conditions forecast this weekend’s Avonmore Summer Classic Grande Finale weekend at River Lodge Equestrian has been postponed to September 19th-20th.
Mullingar auction
MULLINGAR Equestrian is holding an Online Auction of show jumping ponies this weekend (August 21st-23rd). Mullingar’s Select Show and Auction of Hunters and Eventers will take place on Friday, September 4th with their next Performance Sale on Saturday, September 5th.
Golf with the stars
FORMAHOOF is giving you and a friend the opportunity to tee off and play a round of golf with equestrian stars Sam Watson and Michelle Kenny, in aid of the Irish Horse Welfare Trust.
The IHWT 4 Ball Golf Event takes place on September 4th 2020, in the stunning new venue of Coolattin Golf Club, Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow. The day includes golf for two, the opportunity to win prizes, refreshments and a three-course dinner.
The Irish Horse Welfare Trust is auctioning this unique opportunity, with all proceeds going towards helping the plight of the neglected horses in Ireland in their care.
The auction closes on August 27th 2020. See www.ihwt.ie for more details.