Last-minute sponsorship deal comes to Tattersalls Trials’ rescue
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Reported by:  www.independent.ie

A LAST-MINUTE rescue package has ensured that the 2009 Tattersalls Ireland International Horse Trials will go ahead at Fairyhouse in May, it was announced last night.

The fixture, which incorporates the only Irish qualifier for the prestigious HSBC Eventing World Cup, has been saved by the commitment of additional sponsorship.

The event was threatened by the dramatic downturn in bloodstock sales at the end of last year but, at the 11th hour, Tattersalls Ireland managing director George Mernagh pulled off a major coup following weeks of tough negotiations.

SUPPORT:

HOWEVER, while thanking Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) and Eventing Ireland for their support, Mr Mernagh pointed out last night that “the industry in Ireland is still going to have to decide on strategic priorities in these difficult times”.

He said that a dependence on private individuals or companies to finance international eventing in Ireland is unviable – clearly indicating the need for government financial support for tournaments.

Horse Sport Ireland chairman Joe Walsh said that the 2008 Tattersalls fixture, which won by Irish army man Captain Geoff Curran with Kilkishen, was voted sixth-best in the world and that its rescue is “a real boost to equestrian sport”.