A galaxy of racing’s stars–Davy Russell, Joseph O’Brien, Kevin Manning, Nina Carberry and more–turned out to support the fourth running of the Treo Eile Christmas Show on Thursday.

It was former champion jockey Russell, who, competing alongside his son Finn, who won the HRI Thoroughbred Classic Cup. He was riding former staying chaser Our Father, who ran 17 times for trainers David Pipe and Gordon Elliott respectively.

Director of Welfare at Horse Racing Ireland, John Osborne, commented, “This event brings all equestrian industries together and shows how versatile the thoroughbred is in terms of adjusting to a different lifestyle after racing and it’s wonderful to see these horses still going strong ten years later.

“Everyone commented on the high standards on show, with so many double-clears and such an exciting finale, where the last fence for the last rider was going to decide the outcome. This is partly due to the clinics, instruction and support that Anne O’Connor and the Treo Eile team has provided to this growing area.”

Supporting the evening were some major industry leaders including Godolphin, the Aga Khan, Coolmore and the IEBF and Foal Levy Fund. Horse Racing Ireland were title sponsors while Weatherbys Ireland GSB, Ltd., Connolly’s RED MILLS and Equuip all sponsored individual classes earlier in the day.

Harry McCalmont, Director of Treo Eile commented, concluded, “Once again we are so proud to see the ex-racehorse in all their glory, this night is the perfect showcase of their talents, their versatility and their trainability. It’s wonderful to see the standard of thoroughbreds improving year on year, which reflects the efforts of the Treo Eile supported initiatives. A huge thank you must go out to our wonderful show committee, all of our volunteers, riders, those who provide horses and to all our amazing sponsors.”