Horse Sport Ireland and the Irish Greyhound Board have announced the dates of a new ‘Jumping in the City’ series which will see top level National show jumping taking place in greyhound stadia in three of Ireland major cities during the summer of 2015.
The idea of a series of Show Jumping competitions in Greyhound stadia was first suggested by Minister Simon Coveney as part of the recent Strategic Planning process. As recently as December it was highlighted as having some potential but not having moved beyond the concept stage.
Work behind the scenes has clearly born fruit however and the logistics problems that could have got in the way have been resolved to provide what will be a good spectacle and an interesting collaboration that could be a winner among local fans and sports tourists.
No sponsor has been announced for the events but this may be part of further details expected to be announced in the next few weeks.
The events will take place on Friday evenings in June from 7pm to 10pm. The series will start on Friday, June 5th in Limerick, will then move to Curraheen Park in Cork (pictured above) on Friday June 12th with the final taking place in Shelbourne Park on Friday June 26th.
The emphasis will be on creating an evening of entertainment designed to attract a new audience for Show Jumping and Equestrian Sport.
There will be three competitions each night including a Puissance where the wall keeps getting higher until only one horse has successfully jumped it.
Tickets will be priced at €15 and will be sold through the Irish Greyhound Board’s online ticket system and there will be Corporate Hospitality options for owners and those who want to enjoy the evening over a meal.
It is not yet clear whether betting on the event will be permitted either through bookmakers at the track or through the Irish Greyhound Board’s own totalisator betting facilities.
