Sporty royal Zara Phillips to compete at Tattersalls
Former world eventing champion Zara Phillips is among the top international riders that will gather for the Tattersalls International Horse Trials at Fairyhouse, Ratoath, from 27th-30th May, an event that includes the HSBC FEI World Cup tm Eventing Qualifier. Phillips, daughter of the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, and granddaughter to Queen Elizabeth, returns to the Royal County to pit her skills against the best in this highly demanding sport. She is part of a strong British contingent who will join competitors from as far as Australia and Sweden. Ireland's Patricia Ryan will have her work cut out to defend her 2009 World Cup qualifier title at this year's event. The cross-country phase on Saturday 29th May will undoubtedly draw the crowds once more to watch the thrills and spills as horse and rider negotiate complex solid fences at speed. "Tattersalls is one of the very best events in the world," said Mary King, fresh from a fourth place at Badminton Horse Trials and a regular visitor to Tattersalls. "All of us enjoy competing here because the facilities are so superb and the Irish hospitality is second to none." For two consecutive years, Ireland has won the honours in the World Cup Qualifier at this event, Captain Geoff Curran in 2008 and Patricia Ryan in 2009. Ryan, from Bandon in Cork, brings Irish sport horse, Fernhill Clover Mist, to make her bid to retain their title. "We missed out on Badminton last week so the horse is fighting fit and I am really looking forward to the challenge," Ryan said. Due to the generous support of Horse Sport Ireland, HSBC, Rookery Park Stud, Eventing Ireland and Dunboyne Castle Hotel, no less than six international classes are part of the event, ensuring a full weekend's entertainment for spectators. The 2010 Tattersalls Festival will include a festival village with crafts, shopping mall and tasty local produce from Good Food Ireland as well as a host of activities for children and adults alike, from dog competitions and archery to face-painting and kids' games as well as the inaugural 'Front Runner - Eventing for Kids' where children will have the opportunity to learn more about the sport of eventing. Picnics and barbecues will be the order of the day. Spectators will be able to watch the thrills and spills of cross-country day by booking a picnic site close up to the excitement of the water fence where the whole family can enjoy the action with the car adjacent with all the picnic gear. Those who wish to relax with a glass of wine can still watch the action in the new Moscow Flyer Pavilion where three-course lunches will be served at reserved tables overlooking the arena, an ideal spot to view the excitement of the finale of the showjumping on Sunday 30th May. "We're delighted that this year the event has expanded so much," said George Mernagh, managing director, Tattersalls Ireland. Tickets and picnic sites can be booked online at www.tattersalls.ie