The leagues were launched at a special reception in the Kilashee House Hotel on Thursday, where Showjumping Ireland also celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Speaking at the launch, sponsors Tom McGuinness of Horseware Ireland and Raoul Masterson of TRM, said they were delighted to be able to jointly support the National Grand Prix and Premier Series and in doing so, help Irish riders reach their competitive peak.

“Neither of us could have done this on our own and some of the best projects I have ever been involved in throughout my career have been collaborations so I am thrilled to be partnering with TRM to support the sport here in Ireland,” said McGuinness.

Reigning National Grand Prix champion Greg Broderick and Premier Series champion Paddy O’Donnell both thanked Showjumping Ireland and the sponsors for their support.

Broderick said the Grand Prix and Premier Series helped him prepare horses for Dublin and international shows and urged course designers and show organisers to ensure that tracks were up to height throughout the coming months.

“Good up to height tracks are essential to prepare your horse for five-star shows like Dublin,” he explained. “Otherwise you get a false impression of how your horse is performing.”

Horse Sport Ireland chairman Damian McDonald used the occasion to highlight the importance of prize money in the sport and called for serious consideration to be given to this in the ongoing strategic review of the sport horse industry.

For more on Showjumping Ireland’s 60th anniversary and the launch, turn to page A62.