IFA to Sponsor Breeders Prize for the Grand Prix at the RDS Dublin Horse Show

IFA Horse Project Team Chair Conor O’Leary has announced that IFA will once again sponsor the Breeder’s Prize for the highest placed Irish-bred horse in the Grand Prix at the RDS Dublin Horse Show, Ireland’s only five-star international showjumping event.

Now in its third year, the initiative was established to recognise the invaluable contribution of Irish sport horse breeders, whose expertise and dedication are fundamental to the continued success of the sector, both nationally and internationally.

“Breeders deserve greater recognition and more support than ever before. They are the foundation of Ireland’s world-renowned sport horse industry, with breeders located in every parish across the country. It is only fitting that their contribution is acknowledged and rewarded,” he said.

Mr O’Leary said the current prize fund model for sport horse competitions provides little direct financial recognition for breeders, despite the critical role they play in producing top-class horses. “IFA is calling for a dedicated proportion of prize money at racing and sport horse events to be allocated to breeders, a proposal that forms part of our pre-Budget submission.”

Last year’s Breeder’s Prize was presented to Galway breeder Patrick Connolly, CSF Stud Farm, after the gelding secured third place. 

The IFA-sponsored prize will award €1,000 to the breeder of the highest placed Irish-bred horse in Sunday’s Grand Prix, provided the horse finishes in the top ten and its sire, dam and breeder are officially recorded. The prize will be presented in the weeks following the RDS Dublin Horse Show.