Press Releases

02.03.08

Ards Council Saddles Up As Sponsor Of Ballygraffan International Horse Trials 2008

Ards Borough Council has saddled up as the main sponsor of Ballygraffan International Horse Trials 2008.

The new sponsorship arrangement follows the Horse Trials’ growth in status as a truly international event, which saw seven countries represented in 2007 and thousands of spectators flock to the Comber-based show for two days of Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country on a world-class designed course.

“This event has gone from strength to strength since it began in 2003 and has enormous potential to attract even more visitors from across Northern Ireland, the rest of the British Isles and, significantly, the rest of the world. The setting is superb, with fantastic views over Strangford Lough, and there are few better ways to showcase the beauty of the Ards,” said Councillor Angus Carson, Chairman of Ards Borough Council’s Development Committee. “The Council recognises that there is an opportunity to raise the profile of the event still further and so to reap direct economic benefits for the Ards area. This is why we are delighted to be the major sponsor of Ballygraffan International Horse Trials in 2008 and are looking forward to a great two day event this April”.

2008 is expected to be an even bigger year for Ballygraffan. While the challenging competition for riders will continue, visitors can expect to enjoy not only the excitement of the equestrianism, but also an extended Market Village area with new activities for children.

The event, along with views of the beautiful County Down surroundings were transmitted globally last year, spanning across Europe, South Africa, Australia and the USA. This year will bring greater opportunity for the charms of the Strangford Lough Conservation area to be beamed across the world.

For more information on the event which takes place on weekend 26th & 27th April, you can explore the brand new website on www.ballygraffan.com

Back to Press Releases