The Dublin Horse Show has top international showjumping and plenty more for visitors to the RDS.
Lances as symbols of victory will be presented to the winner of each of the showjumping competitions during the Dublin Horse Show. The showjumping culminates with the prestigious International Grand Prix of Ireland on the final day.
The first lance of the show was presented to Italian Captain Raimondo D’Inzeo, who rode the Irish bred Bellevue to win the Hennessy Brandy Stakes. Captain D’Inzeo, who was named best rider of the show in Dublin two years ago, has been representing Italy in international competition for 24 years. This was his fourth major success of the year with the 12 year-old Bellevue.
The best-placed Irish rider was Captain Eddie Campion. He rode a clear round on Garrai Eoin in the jump-off but was edged out on time and finished in fourth place.
The Dublin Horse Show offers visitors much more than top-class showjumping. At the Union Castle Lion Stand, there are displays of fresh wildflowers from South Africa. Another exhibition celebrating Irish design and craftsmanship, organised in association with the Kilkenny Design Workshop, drew considerable interest. Skilled craftspeople demonstrated traditional techniques in pottery, weaving, and gold and silversmithing. Among them was potter Neil Harper of the Kilkenny Design Workshop, winner of numerous awards, including a £1,000 Córas Tráchtála scholarship. Fellow workshop member Cartha Carr showcased the art of weaving.
Younger visitors had the opportunity to test their skills on a Scalextric race track, while those feeling the effects of a long day at the show could avail of free massages.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 3 August 1971. The reporter is Don McManus.