Former World Champion and Olympic medallist Zara Tindall (GB) in her dressage test today at Tattersalls © Radka Preislerova
The international event is also the All Ireland Championships for Irish event riders and is hugely important for the start of what is known as the Tokyo Olympics cycle for a sport sometimes known as the triathlon for horses. More dressage takes place tomorrow along with the start of the exciting fast paced cross country competition which also takes place into Saturday and Sunday and contains the most popular action around the water jumps complex.
Esib Power in her dressage test for Ireland on her horse Soladoun who is a former racehorse © Radka Preislerova
Many stars of the racing world started their careers in eventing and this year sees many young sons and daughters of same taking part like Lauren Murtagh daughter of famous trainer and Derby winning jockey Johnny, Esib Power sister of Gold Cup winning jockey Robbie, Mimi O’Grady daughter of well known trainer Edward, Henry Swan son of former champion winning jockey Charlie, Kerri Lyons daughter of well known horse racing trainer Ger Lyons. Notable young internationals in eventing in the past include former Derby winner jockey and now trainer Joseph O’Brien (son of Aidan O’Brien) as well as Gold Cup winning trainer Jessica Harrington and her daughter and assistant trainer Kate.
The overnight leader of the main international three star class of the day is Vittoria Panizzon from Italy with a record score in Tattersalls of 36 points, best of the Irish is Steven Smith with 53.6 points.
Tattersalls farrier Andrew Mahon fixing a new shoe onto one of the international horses at Tattersalls © Radka Preislerova
Irish rider Charlotte Dixon continues to lead the one star class with a fantastic score of 36 as she heads up the pole position going into the demanding cross country phase tomorrow.
The one star event for young horses under 7 years of age some of which will be the stars of the future and potential Olympic contenders is being led by Oliver Townend (GB) with a score of 38.4, best of the Irish is Steven Smith with a score of 49.10.
The under 18 event for our leading up and coming sees Irish riders filling the top ten positions overnight with young Alex Power in the lead with a score of 41.5.
Tatts 2017 combines world class sport with a quintessential country fair and aside from the equestrian competition; the weekend is tailored especially for families with free admission for under 12’s. The Kids Zone is packed with fun; the highlight are the novelty dog shoe and the mini-puissance ponies who will be jumping a specially made wall! Carnival Rides, activity area for older kids is sure to capture the imagination along with a shopping village of over 70 shops.
