THE Irish Olympic show jumping team will attend a fundraiser for the Jack de Bromhead National Equine Centre on Monday evening, July 8th, in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny.

The Irish Field can reveal that the Olympic-bound team of Daniel Coyle, Cian O’Connor, Shane Sweetnam and Bertram Allen will fly after CSIO Aachen to Dublin on July 8th to attend an Olympic Federation press briefing, after which they, along with chef d’equipe Michael Blake, will travel on to Kilkenny for what’s planned to be a brilliant Olympic preview.

The racing sector will be represented by the current Irish and English National Hunt champion trainer Willie Mullins, Grand National and Gold Cup winning trainer Henry de Bromhead and his winning jockey and racing star, Rachael Blackmore. They’ll be giving their expert views on Ireland’s medal chances.

Also speaking is international course designer Alan Wade to explain to the audience the challenges of an Olympic course, as he built in London.

“The team are delighted to have this opportunity to get home to catch up with all the other Irish Olympians and this is the only night they have together in Ireland before Paris,” said Michael Blake.

“We are delighted to be able to support this event in Kilkenny, in aid of the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre.”

MC for the night is Gavin Duffy from Dragons Den, himself a keen horseman. The local coordinator for the event is Liz Brennan.

Tickets go on sale on Ticketmaster from this Wednesday. The €25 ticket (students €15) includes a drinks reception, sponsored by Connolly’s RED MILLS at 7.30pm, followed by the main event at 8.30pm.