The Association of Irish Riding Clubs is delighted to have Treo Eile to continue the partnership to encourage and reward thoroughbreds in riding club competitions across Ireland. This collaboration reflects Treo Eile’s mission to ‘connect,’ ‘support,’ and ‘promote’ the retraining of racehorses, showcasing the adaptability and talent of thoroughbreds beyond the racetrack.

Since launching in 2021, Treo Eile has seen a continuous increase in the number of thoroughbreds participating in AIRC events, demonstrating the breed’s versatility and ability in second careers. Previous success stories of thoroughbreds competing in Riding Clubs include RDS Racehorse to Riding Horse class winners Mickah Wallace and Stephanie McGlynn, and Highest Placed Thoroughbred at the AIRC Dressage Championships 2024 Bobby Cool and Liisa Rantamaki. The partnership will reward the highest-placed thoroughbreds at key AIRC National Championships in 2025, including:

• AIRC Hunter Trials Championships – April 13, Nuenna Farm EC, Kilkenny
  • RC 80, RC 90, RC 100, RC 110/RC120 levels
• AIRC Show Jumping Championships – July 20 at Mullingar EC, Westmeath
  •  RC 70, RC 80, RC 90, RC 100 & RC 110/RC 120 levels
• AIRC Dressage Championships – August 17 at Mullingar EC, Westmeath
  • RC P1, RC P2, RC P3, RC N & RC M & RC E level
• AIRC Eventing Championships – September 14 at Killossery EC, Dublin
  • RC P1 (Combined Training), RC 80, RC 90, RC 100 & RC 110/RC 120 levels

Prizewinners at each level will receive training bursaries and rosettes with the winner taking home a Treo Eile rug. Horses must be registered with Treo Eile to be eligible, ensuring proper recognition and tracking of thoroughbred performance.

Anne O’Connor from Treo Eile said: “We’re thrilled to work with the AIRC to promote the retraining of thoroughbreds and highlight their success in riding club competitions,” said Treo Eile’s Anne O’Connor. “This partnership continues to shine a light on the many success stories of ex-racehorses finding rewarding second careers in the amateur sector.”

Commenting on the partnership, Chairperson of the AIRC, Louise Duffy said: “The AIRC are delighted to have the very generous support of Treo Eile again this year, recognising the accomplishments of Thoroughbreds across the AIRC competitions.  The wonderful versatility of the breed can be seen by the numbers of thoroughbreds competing in AIRC showing classes, performance classes, dressage, showjumping and eventing at all levels and with the support of Treo Eile, we hope this will continue to grow to showcase their abilities in life after racing.”

For more information about the partnership and how to register your horse, visit www.treoeile.com.