ShowjumpingIreland are delighted to announce the launch of the 2013 National Grand Prix League and Premier Series which took place this morning at Coilog Equestrian Centre.

This is the final installment in a three year deal with TRM and joining the fold for the final year is the Dundalk based company Horseware who have become joint Sponsors with TRM of both leagues with boasts total prize funds in excess of €170,000.

ShowjumpingIreland are delighted to welcome Horseware on board alongside TRM and hope that this will be beginning of a long and fruitful partnership for all three parties.

The TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix Leagues and Premier Series get underway this weekend with the annual curtain raiser to the Outdoor season at the Horseware Louth County Show.  The Dundalk venue hosts both a National Grand Prix and Premier Series kicking off both leagues in the best possible style.

With each year, both leagues get stronger and more competitive and none more so than in last year’s Premier Series when the lead changed hands on several occasions.  Tholm Keane held the lead for a good portion of the Series and was in front on the final day at Barnadown.  

However, a fence on the floor cost the Waterford Rider dearly and it allowed Eddie Moloney to swoop and steal the Series from Keane’s fingertips winning the Final on Chatsworth Dan.

This was Moloney third time to win the Premier Series and it was his second year in succession to claim the title.

The National Grand Prix League on the other hand was a far more clear cut winner.  

Tipperary rider, Greg Broderick lead from the second leg of the League and by the time the Final came around, Broderick was home and dry to collect his first ever National Grand Prix League Title.

Both riders are back again this year to defend their titles along with a host of other top National and International Riders.

Managing Director of TRM, Raoul Masterson was on hand to comment on the new partnership with Horseware; ‘’2012 was a great year for Irish Showjumping. There were many memorable competitions both on a team and individual basis. The Irish Teams Nations Cup victories in Hicktead, and lifting the Aga Khan Trophy at the RDS were incredible achievements. Cian O Connor brought a bronze medal back from London. There were also numerous five star grand prix successes by Cian, Denis Lynch, Conor Swail, Shane Sweetnam, Shane Breen among others. The National Grand Prix Series and Premier Series provide a vital bridge between domestic competition and international success. Irish Showjumpers are boxing well above their weight internationally, and TRM are delighted to sponsor again the National and Premier Series in conjunction with Show Jumping Ireland and Horseware, and are sure that these competitions will assist Ireland’s continuing Show Jumping success.’’

Tom MacGuinness, Managing Director of Horseware Ireland relayed those sentiments; ‘‘Horseware are delighted to sponsor the Premier Series and the National Grand Prix League, in partnership with TRM. Both are fantastic leagues and it is crucial that we support them to help in the development of top class Irish horses and riders.”

While Tony Hurley, Chairman of ShowjumpingIreland welcomed both companies on board for the 2013 Premier Series and National Grand Prix Season; ‘‘I am delighted to welcome Horseware to join TRM as the title Sponsors of this year’s National Grand Prix League and Premier Series.  We have had a very strong partnership with TRM over the last three years and hopefully that can grow now with Horseware also involved.

‘‘The Premier Series and National Grand Prix League are two of the richest National Grand Prix Leagues in Europe and we are very proud of that fact.  The Premier Series has been a huge iniative for ShowjumpingIreland and has helped many riders and horses bridge the gap to International level and we hope that this success continues in the years to come.’’

The TRM/Horseware Premier Series takes place at: Horseware Louth County (28th April); Mullingar International (June 3rd); Cavan Equestrian Centre (June 23rd); Omagh Show (July 6th); National Balmoral (July 18th); Tattersalls (July 28th); South County (August 4th); Coilog Equestrian (August 25th)

The TRM/Horseware National Grand Prix League takes place at: Horseware Louth County (27th April); Coilog Equestrian (4th May); Thomastown Show (5th May); Barnadown (12th May); Cavan Equestrian Centre (19th May); Ravensdale Lodge (26th May); Ballinamona (8th June); Ballivor (9th June); Galway County Show (16th June); Cavan Equestrian Centre (21st June); Charleville Show (29th June); Omagh Show (5th July); Bannow and Rathangan (11th July); Cork Summer Show (14th July);