15,000 EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL EVENT AND COUNTRY FAIR TOMORROW

A large crowd of just over 8,000 people enjoyed the international equestrian action and country fair in the Co Meath countryside in Tattersalls today. Ice creams and sunglasses were the order of the day as the big crowd was treated with the start of the fast flowing and spectacular cross country action in the sunshine with the jumps at the popular water complexes being the most popular vantage point to view the horses and riders going at top speed. The shopping village consisting of local artisan foods, pancakes, gourmet burgers, arts, crafts, country clothing reported a brisk trade and the mini ponies proved to be really popular with the youngsters.

The international sporting event with 18 Olympians and World stars amongst the 343 participants is one of the most important events of this type in the sporting calendar and this week over 10,000 people from 8 countries watching it live online. Over 15,000 people are expected to attend the biggest day of the five day event tomorrow with a further 10,000 expected on Sunday to see the finale consisting of more cross country action as well as showjumping. Well known names in the sport of three day eventing taking part are Olympic medallist and former World Champion Zara Tindall, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth and Bella Lloyd Webber daughter of English composer and impresario of musical theatre Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. The dressage phases of the competition have taken place and this is now followed by the ultimate and toughest test which is the cross-country phase which will in turn be followed by showjumping which tests accuracy and control of both horse and rider. The international event is important from an Irish eye for potential selection for the European Championships later in the year.

OVERNIGHT RESULTS

The main cross country action kicks off tomorrow over Ian Stark’s hotly anticipated new course with Italian Vittoria Panizzon on her horse Chequers Play The Game leading the main 3 star event (CCI3*) with a score of 34.5 with Irish rider Tegan White best of the Irish.

The shorter format 3 star event (CIC3*) started today and overnight leader is French rider Luc Chateau on his Propiano de l’Ebat with a score of 36 with Irish rider Sarah Ennis hote on his heels in second on her horse Horseware Stellor Rebound on a score of 36.5.

The 2 star competition (CCI2*) IS CURRENTLY BEING LED BY New Zealander Tim Price on Kilcooley Cruising with a score of 38.3 going into the cross country tomorrow with Sligo man Donncha Anhold best of the Irish with a score of 48.1.

The 2 star event for the under 25 riders (CCI2*) also heads into the cross country tomorrow with GB rider Millie Dumas in the lead on her horse Cameya on a score of 36.5, best of the Irish is Jodie O’Keeffe on her Reenmore Duke with a score of 46.9.

The 1 star event (CCI1*) is still being led by Irish rider Charlotte Dixon after the cross country phase today as she stays on her dressage score of 36.5 with a fantastic round of jumping today and she is closely followed by Kiwi rider Tim Price  on his Falco on 37.9.

Young Alex Power from Clane in Co Kildare still leads the under 18 event (CCIJ1*) on his Lakantus after cross country today and is still on his dressage of 41.5 after a great round of jumping earlier today.

The one star event for 6 and 7 year old some of which will be the stars of the future and potential Olympic contenders is still being led by Oliver Townend (GB) on his Menlo Park with a score of 38.4, best of the Irish is Steven Smith with a score of 49.10 on his Hill Patrol after the cross country action today.

Tatts 2017 combines world class sport with a quintessential country fair and aside from the equestrian competition; the weekend is tailored especially for families with free admission for under 12’s. The Kids Zone is packed with fun; the highlight are the novelty dog shoe and the mini-puissance ponies who will be jumping a specially made wall! Carnival Rides, activity area for older kids is sure to capture the imagination along with a shopping village of over 70 shops.