ROUND one of the TRM/Horse Sport Ireland New Heights Champions Series will take place at The Meadows Equestrian on April 21st-22nd, with the eight-round series culminating in the final at the Irish Breeders Classic in Barnadown this September.

Rounds of the lucrative TRM/HSI New Heights Champion series will be held in Portmore, Ballinasloe, Galway, Omagh, Tattersalls, Maryville Stables and Mullingar.

The overall prize fund for the winning athlete combination is set at €2,000, with the runner-up receiving €1,000. There are also breeders’ prizes up for grabs for the overall top Irish-Bred Horses of the series. The winner will receive €2,500, runner-up €1,500, and third place will receive €1,000.

This year, in recognition for their work, grooms will also feature in the prize funds, with €200 for the winning groom at each leg and €1,000 to the overall leading groom of the series.

There will also be a €100 TRI Voucher for the top placed young rider at each leg and €200 TRI voucher for the top-placed young rider at the final. Winning owners of each round will also receive a token prize.

Individual invitations to Dublin CSIO5*/ CSIYH1* will be popular for riders looking to gain a place in the international divisions at the RDS. The top two rider/horse combinations in the series, following Tattersalls Show on July 22nd will be invited by the RDS to compete as Irish Individual riders. The rider/horse combinations top three results out of six legs will count towards the RDS invitation.

Managing director of TRM Raoul Masterson said: “TRM are very proud to be associated with the New Heights Champions Series. The inaugural running of this event last year was a resounding success and allowed the perfect platform for many riders to reach their potential. In addition to the lucrative prize fund, there are prizes for owners, grooms, young riders, ensuring everyone is rewarded for their hard work and commitment to the sport.”

CEO of Horse Sport Ireland, Ronan Murphy, said: “Horse Sport Ireland are delighted to sponsor the New Heights Champions Series again in 2018, in partnership with TRM. The New Heights Champions Grand Prix Series is at the pinnacle of our National show jumping circuit and plays a critically important role in the development of both horses and riders, many of whom use the league as a stepping stone to international competition.

“We look forward to attending the New Heights Champions Series and watching our talented, National riders compete for a coveted prize fund of over €105,000. We are also looking forward to working closely with SJI, show organisers, riders, owners and all stakeholders for the future development of this important national show jumping series..”