THE Breeders’ Championship format and qualifying dates have changes this year, which met with a lukewarm response from some exhibitors. Lack of consultation before making significant changes to the Breeders’ Championship and concerns over travelling younger foals to earlier than usual qualifiers were key issues highlighted. The RDS explained the changes (see panel).

Historically, six Dublin qualifiers are held for the Breeders’ Championship. Armagh, Athlone, Charleville, Cork, Gorey and West Clare hosted last year’s qualifiers throughout June and early July. Due to the Tokyo Olympics, Dublin switched to a mid-July date (15th-19th), this sees earlier qualifying dates and change of host shows for 2020.