THOUGHT, and fundraising, will have to go into the Eventing Ireland national championships as, at present, many of the country’s professional riders appear to have problems with the date, prize money and/or the two-day format, which goes down so well with the amateurs.

This year, the championships were once again held at Kilguilkey House where, following a poor entry of qualified combinations, the classes were opened up to all. While ensuring the championships went ahead, this was something of a snub to those who had spent time and money chasing their qualifying marks.