Most of the
international show jumping classes take place in the main grass arena and I can
only imagine what an honour it is for Irish riders to represent their country
here. Other events take place here too though, including the hunt chase and
certain prize-giving ceremonies from the prestigious event. Aside from show
jumping, there are plenty of showing and conformation classes throughout the
five days of the show, and if you pop on over the road to Simmonscourt you’re
bound to find more show jumping action in the sand arenas! Side-saddle events,
pony club games and musical rides all add to the fun atmosphere of the week! For the not
so horsey amongst us, there’s plenty of shopping and crafts to occupy the time,
but I think they everyone quickly gets drawn into the festivity that is the Dublin
Horse Show!
Rob and I
decided to go on the final day, Sunday, in order to watch the main event of the day –
The Longines International Grand Prix! We headed to the R.D.S for about twelve
o’clock and started our day by wandering around the labyrinthine maze of
exhibitor stands. These stands generally sell equestrian items for both horse
and rider and some of the products are really beautiful. I myself adore the
smell of real leather and there is an abundance of it in the main hall – if you
paid a visit to the Berney Bros. stand then you’ll know what I’m talking about!
Not only is
there equestrian products, but there’s a wide range of stalls set up by
charities such as the Irish guide dogs association and many others besides.
There is a stall selling kitchen appliances and gadgets, while another has the
most mouth-watering collection of confectionery on display!
After our
wander around the maze (without buying anything I might add! It was hard,
believe me!), we headed out into the short-lived (!!!) sunshine and watched
some of the showing classes that were taking place in Ring 1. Then, as the sun
was still shining we decided to head over to Simmonscourt to have a look at the
stalls set up along the avenue over there. Before our (short) journey across
the road to Simmonscourt we decided to get ourselves a warm beverage to warm
ourselves up as the wind was quite chilly (BRRRR!). I opted for a mocha, and
Rob, after asking me what it was decided on one for himself too. I think he has
finally found his coffee of choice. He just couldn’t believe that you could get
chocolate-y coffee. Delighted is an understatement! He spent the remainder of
the stroll over to Simmonscourt pondering how to make these exquisite chocolate
coffees!!!
Just before heading to the main arena we decided to get some lunch to bring with us and we both got a bottle of Coca-Cola too. When the guy handed me my bottle I got very excited because he handed me one with my name on it, spelled correctly too! What are the chances?? Rob's however was NOT his name. He got a bottle with babe on it - which made us both laugh!
The main
event was starting at 3.00 P.M. and we had bought tickets for
seats in the grand stand so we went there and took our seats with the best
timing possible because, almost as soon as we had sat down the heavens opened
and there was an ALMIGHTY downpour of rain! This rain continued for most of the class.
Proof of the rain! (Capt. Michael Kelly)
The rain
continued and the ground was becoming soggier and soggier (it’s a grass arena,
FYI). The class started at 3.00 P.M. on the button and thankfully there were no
injuries – which was surprising considering the condition of the ground! Around
40 riders competed in the class with 8 making it through to the jump-off on
zero faults! Three riders stood out for me especially – Timothée Anciaume for
France who made his first round on his grey stallion Padock du Plessis look
effortless and classy all at the same time, Jessica Springsteen (USA) for having a
fantastic round (nothing to do with my obsession for her father, I assure you!)
and Bertram Allen, the 19 year old Irish superstar who was the only home bird to
make it into the jump-off!
The
jump-off was exciting to say the least. Nobody really thought that Allen could
pull it off but, he did!! He won the Grand Prix on his mare Molly Malone after
a stunning (and mind-blowing approach) to the double combination that shaved
milliseconds off his time! The crowd was delighted – it’s always nice to have a
home win!! I can only imagine the euphoria that Bertram Allen felt at 19 years
of age, winning a major class at the R.D.S!
Once the
prize giving was over, we headed back to the main hall for another wander
around the stands. It was a great day over all and thankfully, even Rob really
enjoyed himself as he wouldn’t have the greatest interest in horses himself! J
Check out some more photos from the Grand Prix event below!
Clare
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Photographs taken by Clare Casey and Robert McAuley (C)
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Timothée Anciaume on Padock du Plessis for France
Eagerly awaiting the competition to start!
Photographs taken by Clare Casey and Robert McAuley (C)
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