THERE will be a strong Irish representation in Banbury, England today to take part in the Fox Grant Silver Spur, the latest leg of the GB Hunt Ride League.

The event comprises a number of cross-country races for various weight and experience categories and has grown popular within the Irish hunting community.

Meath natives Stephen Dillon and John Moran (nephew of Noel, Bective Stud) attended an event in the league at Wynnstay earlier this month. Moran’s horse Ruby managed to finish sixth while Dillon’s mount Bubbles Of Gold refused at the last when contesting fourth position.

“We had a great experience in Wynnstay,” said Dillon. “There is a problem in Ireland now that there are very few hunter trials now after the hunting season, so people are looking for something different.

“The experience we had in Wynnstay was excellent - a beautiful course, the organisers were hugely welcoming, there were lots of different categories with regard to the races and the general event was brilliantly organised with a drinks reception, free food for the riders, a barbecue set up after.

“You’ll see a lot of Irish travelling over for the Golden Button Challenge and there is also an increasing demand for these races in Ireland, with the North Tipperary Hunt Race and the Antler Challenge proving very popular.”

The course today is estimated to be two and a half miles long with 24 hedges to be jumped.