The Duggan family yesterday confirmed to The Irish Field their intention to bid to bring what is, after the Olympic Games, the world’s biggest equestrian event to our shores.

Green Glens opened its gates on Tuesday for its inaugural FEI European Championships for Ponies, which is being attended by riders from 17 countries. The championships are worth an estimated €7 million to the Irish economy through 24,000 sell-out bed nights, booked-out restaurants and a lively pub and retail trade.