“It Showcased The Thoroughbred In All Its Glory” – Treo Eile Show A Huge Success

Caoimhe Doherty, co-founder of Treo Eile, described the third running of the HRI Treo Eile Thoroughbred Classic–won by Charlie Swan and Kikki Curran–as a huge success. 

Treo Eile was established in 2020 with the aim of increasing the retraining of ex-racehorses. Many stars, both equine and human, showcased their talents at the Christmas Show at the Emerald Equestrian Centre in Meath on Thursday, where 10 teams battled it out for bragging rights. 

But it was Swan and young Curran, who completed a double clear round, who came out on top for team Camas Park/Summerhill. The competition featured some household names, including Robbie Power, Patrick Mullins, Norman Williamson, Rachael Blackmore, Rory Cleary, Katie Walsh, Gary Carroll, Jack Kennedy and Davy Russell. 

HRI boss Suzanne Eade was on hand to present the winning riders with their prizes and Swan commented afterwards, “It was a big team effort. I'd just like to thank the sponsors for pulling this together. For these horses, it's something for them to do in their career after racing, and it's great.”

Olivia Swab, Kiki Curran, Charlie Swan, John Osborne, Suzanne Eade and Cmdt Geoff Curran | Siobhan English

Doherty echoed the sentiments of Swan in thanking the sponsors and participants for making the event a huge success. 

She said, “It went absolutely amazing, an incredible turnout. From owners, breeders and supporters, a huge thank you to all of our sponsors who gave so generously. A huge thank you as well to people who donated horses for the evening and thank you to everyone who travelled from Cork, Donegal and all around the country to be here. It was a brilliant night and really showcased the thoroughbred in all its glory–their versatility, adaptability and their performance. We are just so grateful and so thankful.”

Despite being launched just three years ago, Treo Eile has 600 former racehorses on its books, and Doherty says that Thursday's event shows how much the industry cares for the thoroughbred. 

Doherty concluded, “We launched Treo Eile three years ago and we haven't looked back since. We are so lucky because we have no money but have been funded by the industry. Godolphin has been a major help and supported us from day one. So, too, have the EBF, the Foal Levy Committee and HRI.

“We have nearly 600 horses registered with Treo Eile. We started with zero. When you look at the quality of the jumping tonight, the amount of horses and the amount of people here, it just shows you how much the industry wants it and supports it. We are just so grateful.”