BALINAMONA 2 DAY HORSE SHOW GETS UNDERWAY THIS SATURDAY
A huge entry of 65 horses and riders have declared for this Sunday's second round of the Munster 'Greyhound Night ' Grand Prix League at Balinamona Co Waterford.
Saturday's National Grand Prix sees a healthy 33 competitors go to post while the Horse Sport Ireland, Irish Sport Horse Studbook Showjumping Series for young horses is also extremely well supported.
For full results reports and photo's from Balinamona this weekend, stay with www.munstershowjumping.ie
MASSIVE 20,000 EURO PRIZE FUND ON OFFER AS BALINAMONA CO WATERFORD
PLAY’S HOST TO THE COUNTRIES TOP EQUINE STARS
One of the biggest Equestrian events ever to take place in Co Waterford kicks off on Saturday June 12th 2010, as Balinamona Estate on the Old Tramore Road hosts a two day showjumping extravaganza boasting a huge 20,000 euro prize fund.
Many of Ireland’s top horses and riders are set to descend on the South East, as the picturesque venue plays host to round’s of the National and Munster Grand Prix Leagues along with the prestigious Horse Sport Ireland, Irish Sport Horse Studbook Showjumping Series for young horses.
Situated just off the Waterford outer ring road, Balinamona is now an ideal location given the completion of the new Waterford City bypass and second river crossing, and with the majority of the new M9 Motorway from Dublin to Waterford now completed, the large convoy of horse boxes and trucks can expect a hassle free journey to the venue.
Renowned International course builder Alan Wade will be on hand to test both horse and rider, the Tipperary born son of famous Irish show jumper Tommy Wade won huge acclaim for his designs at last year’s Failte Ireland Dublin Horse Show and at the London International show at Olympia.
TRM NATIONAL GRAND PRIX LEAGUE – SATURDAY
The action kicks off on Saturday morning with the Irish Sport Horse Studbook Series - 5 year old horse qualifier, providing spectators with a chance to catch a glimpse of some future stars. This will be followed by round seven of the TRM National Grand Prix League which Waterford riders have almost claimed to themselves the past few years as Tholm Keane and Francis Connors have had a fascinating duel between them. Reigning champion Connors has piped Aglish born Tholm Keane by the slimmest of margins for two years in a row but so far in 2010 it is West Waterford’s Tholm Keane who has started the better, winning rounds at Thomastown and Kill Co Kildare. Francis Connors will be hoping to add to his runner up placing at Ravensdale, Co Louth but the Waterford pair will face tough competition from fellow local riders and from the strong travelling contingent including Limerick’s Paul O Shea has been in spectacular form this season, and could be contender for the overall title at the year end.
The 6 & 7 year old ISH Qualifier follows on Saturday afternoon while arena 2 will also feature a host of competitions throughout the day including a round of the Munster 1m 10 league. Pony riders are spoilt for choice over the two days at Balinamona and classes include the National Novice Pony League, Discovery Leagues and the Carling King Pony League, sponsored by The Clothes Horse Equestrian Store Cullencastle.
ISH SHOW JUMPING SERIES & MUNSTER GRAND PRIX - SUNDAY
Sunday’s action begins with the Irish Sport Horse Studbook Series 5 year old final with a massive 4,500 euro up for grabs, while round 2 of the Munster ‘Greyhound Night’ Grand Prix League follows with another 2,000 euro prize fund. Tholm Keane claimed the opening leg on home soil at Aglish in May but will need to be on top form to repeat the feat with Cappagh’s Gemma Phelan and Tallow’s Paul Beecher just two of those who looked impressive at the opening round.
The Irish Sport Horse Studbook Series 6 & 7 year old final rounds off the action in the main arena, with Horse Sport Ireland providing another 4,500 euro for the prize winners.
A limited numbers of stables are available @25 euro per night. More information is available from
087 6847752 or 087 2417107 Email, vahe@eircom.net