SIXTEEN Irish riders have confirmed entries for the famed Golden Button Challenge.

After a Covid-19-enforced two-year break, the challenge will take place over 22 obstacles and three miles of the Ledbury Hunt country in Gloucestershire on Saturday, February 12th.

As announced when he took part in the Treo Eile show jumping Classic at JAG in mid-December, international event rider James O’Haire is set to make his debut in the challenge on Shamad, the 2014 Shamardal gelding he rode in the Classic and who has four wins on the flat gracing his CV.

Another international event rider due to start is Dominic Furnell who is making a return visit to Tirley as is racehorse trainer Peter Maher.

Hunts throughout the country will be represented and, in keeping with the equal opportunities offered by equestrian sports, there are five female riders among the Irish 16.

In total, 70 combinations have confirmed entries for the Challenge and there is a lengthy waiting list.

Good luck to all!