STAGED at Barnadown Equestrian this weekend, the eighth renewal of the prestigious Irish Breeders’ Classic not only boasts the richest young horse prize fund in the world but has also established itself as a vital national showcase for rising international equine stars.

Founded in 2012 by well-known Wicklow sport horse breeder Ronan Rothwell of Boleybawn Horses, the Irish Breeders’ Classic’s two-fold mission is to boost demand for horses bred by Irish breeders and to attract new investors to the sport. The total prize fund is €50,000.

International stars

Today (Saturday), the Horse Sport Ireland/TRM Reaching New Heights Series Final takes place. On Sunday, the feature five and six-year-old Breeders’ Classic Final takes place, with a Grand Final prize fund of €26,420, following the four-year-old final (at 9am) and the seven and eight-year-old championship.

The Goresbridge’s IBC Select Foal Sale will also be held on Sunday, with a total of 15 lots.

Sponsors include Alltech, Horse Sport Ireland and Gain Equine Nutrition. Full schedule details can be found on irishbreedersclassic.com. Full coverage in next week’s paper.