Ireland’s highest ranked show jumper, 19-year-old Bertram Allen has competed in venues across the globe but said the annual Dublin Horse Show takes priority.
“There’s something that means a bit more coming back to Dublin and hearing that roar when you go in the ring. It definitely sends shivers up your back, and it’s what we live for really,” said the Wexford native.
The world number seven will compete in the European Championships in Germany in the middle of August but said the Dublin show takes “extra preference”. “Any rider in the world you talk to who’s been here has a fond memory of it; it’s just a very special show.”
Up to 100,000 horse enthusiasts and visitors are expected to attend the annual Dublin Horse Show, which will take place in the RDS in Ballsbridge from Wednesday, August 5th, until Sunday 9th.
There is a prize fund of almost €1 million for professional riders and almost 1,500 horses will compete. The five-day event generates about €45 million in revenue each year.
The contest for the Aga Khan Trophy will take place on the Friday, followed by the Puissance on Saturday and the International Grand Prix on Sunday, along with more than 80 show jumping, showing and pony club classes throughout the week.
Ladies’ Day will take place on Thursday, with a prize package worth €10,000 for the winner of the “best-dressed lady” competition, along with other categories for “most creative hat” and “most colourful outfit”.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring officially launched the 142nd Dublin Horse Show yesterday and said he goes every year to the event, which he believes is “one of the best shows in the world”.
“Almost 100,000 people came to Ireland last year and got involved in equestrianism and that brought in €97 million in revenue into the country,” Mr Ring said.
The minister also said “adventure sport” is one of the best sports for attracting tourists, including the “best spenders”.
Chief executive of the RDS Michael Duffy said: “It is one of the events of the summer that has a huge tradition behind it.”
“It’s the signature event for the RDS. It is one of the events of the summer that has a huge tradition behind it and the society is very committed to it and very anxious to develop it”.