RACING’s biggest stars, of both the human and equine varieties, will come together at the Treo Eile Christmas Show, which takes place on Thursday, December 12th, at the Emerald Equestrian Centre.

The event raises vital funds for Treo Eile (meaning ‘another direction’), as well as promoting the organisation’s message that former racehorses can excel in other disciplines. The Horse Racing Ireland Treo Eile Thoroughbred Classic is the centrepiece, as 12 teams of four compete in a timed show jumping competition.

Each team will be captained by a jockey, namely Barry Geraghty, Davy Russell, Paul Townend, Joseph O’Brien, Nina Carberry, Oisin Murphy, Colin Keane, Robbie Power, Kevin Manning, Sam Ewing, Jody Townend and Donagh Meyler.

The captain, a professional and an amateur rider will all ride former racehorses, the team completed by a talented pony rider. The Irish Field’s Brendan McArdle and Racing TV’s Kevin O’Ryan are the hosts for the Christmas Show, which gets underway at 12 noon with two classes for thoroughbreds: the Weatherbys Ireland GSB Ltd Thoroughbred Discovery 80cm and Connolly’s Red Mills Thoroughbred Starfinder 90cm.

The entertainment continues with the equuip Pony Christmas Cracker 80cm, followed a show jumping demo by Olympian Sam Watson and his thoroughbred Nominator. Before the Thoroughbred Classic, Tiger Roll, Al Boum Photo, A Plus Tard and General Principle will grace the ring, as part of the Moyglare Stud Parade of Champions.

“The Treo Eile Christmas Show is the pinnacle of our year,” Caoimhe Doherty, co-founder of Treo Eile, explained. “It is a wonderful event full of fun, friends and, most importantly, celebrating the ex-racehorse and showcasing their abilities in a second career.

“It is such a pleasure to bring together so many different sectors of the equestrian community - racing, show jumping and eventing, all for the good of the horse.”

Tickets are €15 and selling fast.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS