Balmoral Show has scaled new heights in their Show Jumping Schedule through the upgrading of the International Show Jumping section to a CSI two-star event with a total prize fund of £29,000 (€37,250).
A welcome development for riders will be the ability to gain Rolex Ranking points, which contribute to their placing on the world stage. Ireland currently has 6 riders in the top 100 - Jessica Kurten (5th) Conor Swail (43rd) Cameron Hanley (69th) Bi
lly Twomey (89th) Cian O'Connor in (82nd) and Gerry Flynn (97th). To gain ranking points through participation in home events furthers rider's opportunities of sustaining or increasing their world ranking.
Kicking off Show Jumping on Wednesday 14 May at 9am will be National Classes, followed by an exciting new International Class, The 'Renault Jump' 2008 at 2.30pm. With a prize fund of £7,500, this class is guaranteed to provide a showcase of talent not to be missed. This is followed later in the afternoon by the second of the International Classes, the 'P&O Irish Sea' International Two Phase Two at 5.00pm.
On Thursday 15 May, events start early with the 'allbed' Amateur Championship (National) at 9.00am. The action continues with the 'Giltspur Scientific' International Top Score at 12.45pm and 'The News Letter' International Spectacular at 4.15pm.
A further two key events will take place on Friday 16 May namely the 'Aon McMillen' International Accumulator at 12.30pm and at 4.00pm the 'Vodafone' International Grand Prix, with its £12,000 prize fund and the prestigious Chester Nugent Gold Cup going to the winner.
Clem McMahon, winner of the 2007 Grand Prix said: "Balmoral Show is a fantastic venue and has always been lucky for me. I've won the Grand Prix, three times in the past five years. With the increase in Grand Prix prize money and the new Renault Jump 2008 competition, the Show now offers two great jump off classes for riders.
"Another welcome addition is the ability to gain Rolex ranking points. With the exception of The RDS Horse Show, this is the only other International Show in Ireland where you can gain Rolex points. I'm looking forward to this year's competition."
Each of the International competitions will have a minimum of 26 riders with the best of the Irish talent joined by riders from GB and further afield.
This year's entries close on Friday 11th April and those selected will be announced shortly afterwards.
The Balmoral Show runs from 14th – 16th May and is open daily from 8.30am – 8.00pm. Online ticket booking will be available this year for the first time, simply log onto www.balmoralshow.co.uk. For more information on the Show check out the website or contact the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society on 028 9066 5225.
The full article contains 474 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
