EDMOND Mahony, chairman of Tattersalls, who sponsor this week’s Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair in Ratoath, would like to see more of the leading Irish event riders support the four-star competitions at the venue.

Speaking to The Irish Field on the eve of this year’s event, Mahony said: “I’m happy with the standard and layout of the courses and this is the ninth year of Ian Stark’s course design which is world class. Eugene O’Neill, assistant course designer, and his team are all set up and all three courses offer quite a challenge.

“There have been changes in the grading of classes and I believe our strongest trial is now the three-star compared to other three-star events on the circuit.

“Our four-stars stand up very well to the Blenheims and other courses around the UK. The disappointment for us is why the short and long four-stars are so light on Irish entries. It is a huge effort for Tattersalls to put this on and deserving of more support from the home team.”

International competitors

“We have maintained the same level of interest from international competitors and visitors since the inception of our trials which is gratifying. Riders from the UK would be the biggest numerically and I would like to see more American riders and visitors.

“Our trials are a fixture on the international circuit. Competitors just have to take a ferry as opposed to the road to compete.’’

Does the event break even? “Well running an international horse trials is not a good business model,” Mahony continued with a laugh. “We don’t do it for commercial reasons but to as a contribution to the equine industry in Ireland.

“The event is heavily subsidised by the George Mernagh Memorial Fund and Tattersalls. There are a finite number of years of that support and the event can only continue if it is financially viable.”

With regard to the event as a market for the Irish horse, Mahony continued: “It’s a very good showcase for the Irish horse. For the second year running Goresbridge are holding their Select Event Horse Sale on Thursday where the top price realised last year was €49,000. It’s a good market place as there are many potential buyers present.’’

Thursday night’s sale didn’t reach the heights of last year’s renewal, with a top price of €37,000 and a clearance rate of 38%. (See page 111 for the sales report.)

Country fair

Tattersalls continue to heavily market the event to the general public outside the equine community as a country fair for the whole family and they face strong competition for that audience in the Dublin area on the bank holiday weekend.

“We have to broaden our appeal,’’ Mahony said. “Unlike our equivalent in the UK, there isn’t an easy 250,000 ready to walk through our gates. That’s why we promote the shopping village, kids’ farm, dog shows, fun fair and musical entertainment. I don’t want to ring the alarm bells but growth in footfall is the only way of making the event financially viable.”

Mahony concluded: “What I do find disappointing is the level of industry support by Horse Sport Ireland and Eventing Ireland. We have had contributions from Failte Ireland, HSI and Eventing Ireland but that has been drastically reduced.

“We always appreciate ministerial and local political representation at our reception evening or during the event. After all over the three days of the event, there is an incremental benefit to the state with extra trade for local business – taxis, car hires, B & Bs, hotels and restaurants.

“The Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair is worthy of consideration in terms of support.”