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Press Releases
18th April 2007
International Event Arrives at Ballygraffan…
Ballygraffan International Horse Trials, Comber, Co. Down
With record number of entries secured for Ballygraffan International Horse Trials this year, organizers are looking forward to record numbers of spectators too. The excitement is building towards this world class event, taking place just outside Comber, Co. Down on Saturday, 28th & Sunday, 29th April.
This year’s event welcomes contestants from seven nations including New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, Germany, France, UK and of course many strong Irish contenders, the competition is set to be something fierce.
Competitors this year include, Oliver Townend, Oliver represented Britain at the 2005 European Championships at just 22 years of age and he has demonstrated his enormous talent by steering Flint Curtis to an impressive 3rd place at Badminton. He has since been selected to represent Britain at the World Equestrian Games. Another British rider attending is Matthew Wright, who impressively took the lion share of the prizes at Ballendenisk last year.
Representing Ireland we have Olympian Trevor Smith and his brother Steven Smith who has recently won the 3* (star) on Quality VH at Barroca D’Alva, Portugal, and currently is “Top Rider’ for Eventing Ireland. Irish Olympian, Sasha Stewart, one of Irelands top professional eventers, will also be joining us this year along with New Zealand riders Caroline Powell, now based in Scotland, and Neill Spratt based in England. Most are experienced Badminton riders, competing at the top of their game.
Young & dynamic Olympic hopefuls will be set against skillful, accomplished riders on a course that will challenge and excite. The Tughans CIC** (2 star) course incorporates a completely new water jump combination this year, and the CIC* competitors will have to negotiate several new questions.
“The course is outstanding this year, it is bold, challenging and galloping” said June Burgess, Event Host, “ with six new fences in the one star and five new fences in the 2 star, both rider and horse will be facing a few surprises and a fantastic display. The Mono-Log/Badminton Skinny fence, sponsored by the Northern Bank, is almost a replica of what riders will face in Badminton this year.”
Entry price remains at only £5.00 per car this year, and spectators will not only be entertained by the challenging sporting competition but will enjoy the beautiful surrounding of the green drumlin country of Co. Down overlooking the magnificent Strangford Lough. Walking the course visitors will discover there are some prime positions to view the weekend’s proceedings. Not least the Fancy-Dress Fun Run in aid of Chest Heart & Stroke, which will take place during the change in the course on Sunday.
Families and friends can plan their lunch or snacks at the Market Village where they will find a great selection of freshly prepared goodies, visit the ‘Nose Bag’ Café or simply browse the gift stalls. All are easily accessible from the course.
The
event will culminate with Joyce Estate Agents Prize-Giving Reception where
riders, owners and sponsors will gather to acknowledge the successes of
the weekend. Deputy Mayor Robin Drysedale will attend to present the prize
for the Pony Class on behalf of Ards Borough Council.
Again, SKY TV will be covering events at Ballygraffan this year, with
coverage being shared across local channels and as far as the States,
recognizing the quality of this world class event in a global arena.
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