THIS weekend sees the sport beginning to ramp up across the disciplines as the first round of the National Grand Prix takes place tomorrow (Sunday), while the first international eventing fixture of 2021 kicks off at Ballindenisk on Wednesday.

The National Grand Prix season begins with Coilog Equestrian playing host to the first round tomorrow. Following this, a further 21 rounds have been confirmed, with a possibility of more venues being added. Tipperary Equestrian will host the final on September 5th.

This year sees an increase in prize money to €4,000 for each round, which will be welcomed by riders. In the final, the winning combination will take home €3,000, while the runner-up will receive €2,000 and the third-place combination will get €1,000. The leading owner will also receive €1,000. Horse Sport Ireland will sponsor the breeders section this year (for studbook registered horses only), offering a prize fund of €2,500 for the overall winning breeder, €1,500 for the runner-up and €1,000 for third. The SJI Young rider committee will also give a voucher to the leading young rider in each round.

Speaking ahead of the opening round, SJI Chairman Eamon Rice said: “Showjumping Ireland is delighted to open the National Grand Prix League this weekend at Coilog Equestrian Centre. This marks the start of the outdoor summer season and National leagues. This league is a staple for our senior riders and also provides a pathway for juniors and young riders to progress on to international competition. We wish all competitors the very best of luck.”

Last year’s National Grand Prix Champion, Derek McConnell, is looking forward to the season ahead. “I have competed in a few rounds of the Spring Tour and I am really looking forward to the National Grand Prix and to the Premier Series,” said McConnell. “Last year it was a late start to the season and it’s great to get started as normal. Hopefully, if things get better, and we stick to the guidelines, we will see some spectators being allowed to attend.”

This weekend also sees the start of the Horseware National 1.10m Ladies Championship, with an overall prize fund of €3,500. The series will take place in venues across the country, with the final also being held at Tipperary Equestrian on September 5th.

Full dates for both league are available on www.sji.ie.

Meanwhile, the Premier Series looks set to be held over five rounds this summer, starting in Barnadown on Sunday, May 9th, according to the SJI website. The remaining rounds are due to take place in Portmore (May 23rd), Balmoral (July 11th), Tattersalls (July 25th) and Mullingar (August 1st). The Irish Field awaits further confirmation on prize funds and sponsors.

Ballindenisk International

For event riders, there is Olympic qualification available at the international event at the Fell family’s Ballindenisk International, which begins on Wednesday at the Co Cork venue.

It is an important event for Tokyo team selection and for those with major championships ahead and as a result, British-based riders Padraig McCarthy, Austin O’Connor and Fred Scala have all gained special permission to attend as Irish Olympic hopefuls and high-performance athletes.

The feature NutriScience CCI4*-L fields 11 entries, including many Olympic-listed combinations, while 22 will start in the CCI4*-S, including the reigning European bronze medallists Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua.

“We have had the perfect preparation, and the ground is fabulous. The new competition arena has settled well over the winter and the feedback from the recent Dressage Ireland Winter Championships last weekend was excellent,” said event organiser Peter Fell.

See Sally Parkyn’s full event preview on page 103.