Harvey Smith is among the big names in Dublin to compete at a new showjumping event in the RDS.
The new indoor international showjumping competition is in its final day. The four-day event has drawn elite professional riders from both sides of the Irish Sea. The competitors from Ireland include Eddie Macken, James Kernan, Leonard Cave, Robert Splaine and Paul Darragh. Many greats of British showjumping are also here Ted and Liz Edgar, Caroline Bradley, David Broome and Graham Fletcher.
Harvey Smith whose son Robert is also competing, says the RDS show is of an international standard, and prefers competing here,
Adverse weather conditions have resulted in additional expenses, but John Bland chairman of Irish Equestrian Promotions believes this event has been a success. He pays tribute to the riders who have drawn such crowds to the RDS.
You just ask, and those boys, they’re all troopers, they come.
The prize money is very attractive, but competing on home ground is the primary draw for champion showjumper Paul Darragh, who is impressed with the high standard of the competition.
It’s a very well-organised event, as you can see.
Live coverage of this evening’s main event the Grand Prix with a first prize of £2,000 will be broadcast on RTÉ 1.
Harvey Smith has already won £3,000 in this contest, but has his eye on the big prize.
It’s always the best, it’s always the most difficult to win.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 November in 1978. The reporter is Derek Davis.
