British riders return to the RDS and there are more foreign buyers in town for the Dublin Horse Show.
The opening day of the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) Dublin Horse Show takes place at the society's headquarters at Ballsbridge.
A particularly notable aspect of the show is the return of the British riders. In 1972 they were prevented attending by their federation due to the political situation at the time. This year the British team includes world champion David Broome and European champions Paddy McMahon and Anne Moore.
Eight countries are in competition but Irish horses excel. Captain Ned Campion takes the Hennessy Dillon Stakes on Cluain Aodha. He also took second place in the Hennessy Brandy Stakes on Garraí Eoin behind British rider Malcolm Pyrah.
In the judging rings there is a noticeable increase in brood mare and young horse classes.
An encouraging sign for the horse industry.
The Dublin Horse Show show is attracting more foreign buyers than usual, including some from Germany, France and Italy.
Hanfried Haring of the German Equestrian Federation believes the buyers are heading to Dublin because Irish horses represent value for money,
They are not cheap but they are not too expensive.
Chairperson of Bord na gCapal Noel Tanner notices the increase in foreign buyers in the RDS. He puts this down to the efforts made to showcase Irish horses abroad, especially in Paris and England. As well as Irish horses going to Italy and France, they will also be heading to Belgium and England.
The Dublin Horse Show runs at the RDS from 7-12 August 1973.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 7 August 1973. The reporter is John McAleese.
