Go For Gold Sale kicks off

THE 15th renewal of the Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale of pre-selected event horses will be staged on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Barnadown and the Amber Springs Hotel in Co Wexford.

The sale offers 88 proven and potential event horses from the age of three, all of whom have been carefully selected by a highly experienced panel of producers and international riders. The catalogue and online gallery can be found at goresbridge.com/goforgold and an extensive preview can be read at theirishfield.ie. A full report and results will run in next week’s edition.

Paul Kennedy RIP

CONDOLENCES to the family of Paul Kennedy, who sadly passed away peacefully last Saturday, November 2nd, at home in Cartown House, Kildimo, Limerick after an illness. A former field master of both the Stonehall Harriers and the Co Limericks, Kennedy was well-known, respected and loved in hunting and equestrian circles. He will be missed by his loving wife Jane, sons John and Paul Jnr, daughter-in-law Anna, brothers James, John and Jerome, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. An obituary to Paul will appear next week.

VDL Cartello to be retired

DARRAGH Kenny’s Olympic mount VDL Cartello will be retired next month after the five-star CHI Geneva. The 17-year-old stallion by Cartani 4 will go back to his breeders at VDL Stud to continue his breeding career. Previously produced by Ireland’s Cormac Hanley and Lorcan Gallagher, Kenny took over the reins in May 2021 and went to the Tokyo Olympic Games three months later. The pair were the alternate combination at the Paris Games this summer and jumped a clear round in the Aga Khan Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show in August. They won their first five-star Grand Prix in Mexico last weekend (see page 89).

Christiansen hangs up boots

BRITISH para dressage legend Sophie Christiansen (36) has announced her retirement after a 20-year career, during which she has won 30 senior championship medals. Christiansen made the announcement on Facebook saying: “When you know, you know”. She made her Paralympic debut in 2004 in Athens aged 16 and came away with an individual bronze medal. She won Freestyle and team golds and individual silver at Beijing 2008, before claiming three golds at both London 2012 and Rio 2016. She was selected for Tokyo in 2021, but was forced to withdraw due to a veterinary issue with her horse.

David Foster Ball

THOSE interested in attending the annual David Foster Ball are encouraged to ‘Save the Date’ of Saturday, February 15th. The well-supported event will be held in Johnstown House Estate, Enfield, Co Meath and there will be the usual awards and celebrations of the past two years of eventing. Tickets will be available from ItsPlainSailing - keep an eye on bit.ly/DFIRFBall for tickets which cost €90. There will be a raffle on the night, with some fabulous prizes on offer. All proceeds go to the David Foster injured riders fund.

Nations confirmed for Longines League of Nations

THE FEI has officially confirmed the qualified nations of the second edition of the Longines League of Nations, with the top 10 ranked nations set to compete in the prestigious equestrian team jumping competition.

Nine nations have qualified: Ireland, France, USA, Great Britain, Belgium, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, and reigning champions Germany, who already secured their place by winning the Longines League of Nations Final 2024 in Barcelona.

The Longines League of Nations 2025 will feature four qualifying legs and only the top eight ranked teams will advance to the Longines League of Nations Final. Ireland is the top ranked team on 14,538 points, followed by France (13,503) and USA (13,128)

Strule Valley Christmas Show

STRULE Valley Riding Club have planned their Annual Christmas Show for Wednesday, December 11th commencing at 7pm in Ecclesville, Fintona. Jumping will commence with 40cm, followed by 50cm, 60cm, 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 1m.

Everyone is very welcome, members and non-members, ponies and horses, and there will be rosettes and selection packs for all competitors, so come along and get into the Christmas spirit.

Entries are £12 and for SVRC riders, £10.