The Millstreet International Horse Trials in Co Cork, Ireland (June 1-4) will carry extra significance and interest this year as it will host the third leg of the 2023 FEI Eventing Nations Cup^TM and be an all-important qualifier for the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup Series™, a prestigious team series established in 2012, will be incorporated into the CCI4*-S competition and is expected to attract a strong international entry, as it will carry points towards qualifying for Paris. 

In addition, there will be a separate CCI3*-L which will also be a team competition and will act as an Olympic qualifier for Group Nations F (Africa and the Middle East) and G (South East Asia and Oceania).

This year will mark the second visit of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup to the Co. Cork venue. The 2018 edition acted as a test event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic eventing format and saw a strong French team come out on top, headed by Thomas Carlile with the legendary stallion Upsilon; their record finishing score of 17.3 remains unchallenged five years on.

Top international riders are always attracted to the Duggan family’s Great Glens Arena in Millstreet for its friendly atmosphere, excellent facilities and superb cross-country courses designed by Mike Etherington-Smith and Paul Brady. It is set to be an even busier weekend than usual with the pressure on sought-after Olympic places. There will be 12 classes of eventing, including the four- and five-year-old National Eventing Discovery classes which are a showpiece for Ireland’s most exciting young horses, and a prize fund of nearly €40,000. 

“Millstreet is now well established as the place to see the international stars of the present and future and we enjoy giving them a warm Irish welcome,” said event director Thomas Duggan. 

For the timetable and further information, click here.

Current entry list available on www.eventingireland.com

For start lists and live results, visit www.rechenstelle.de

Picture caption (free to use): Thomas Carlile and the late Upsilon competing at Millstreet in 2018 (Credit: Millstreet International Horse Trials)

Notes to editors:

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup Series™ comprises eight legs, in Europe and Canada, with a final at Boekelo, Netherlands, in October. The series was established in 2012 and has provided invaluable team practice for up-and-coming riders and some thrilling competition.

Millstreet has previously hosted Young Rider, Junior and Pony European Championships, plus an FEI Eventing Nations Cup Series™ and an Event Rider Masters competition. 

The Duggan family have long been steeped in the Irish equestrian world, producing top-class competition horses and hosting international competitions. They are currently providing accommodation to some 300 Ukrainian refugees.

Millstreet has expansive facilities with eight all-weather jumping arenas and eight all-weather warm-up arenas, plus a beautiful parkland cross-country course in the grounds of Drishane Castle.

Mike Etherington-Smith designed the Olympic cross-country course in 2000 and 2008, the world championships in 2010 and the European championships in 2005, 2019 and 2021.