Ireland’s only five-star equestrian show, the Dublin Horse Show, was officially cancelled on Monday due to the ongoing difficulties caused by COVID-19.

Although the news was inevitable, it doesn’t take away the disappointment for riders, owners and breeders around the country.

In the past, the show was cancelled in 1914-1918, and also in 1940 due to outbreaks of war. It continued with national show jumping competitions only during the period 1941-1945. Swamp fever cancelled competition for the Aga Khan trophy in 1966, but the remainder of Show proceeded.

In a press statement released on Monday, the RDS said: “The decision reached was that cancellation of this year’s show was in the best interests of public health and safety and that providing certainty at this early stage would be beneficial to everyone involved.”

Chief executive of the RDS, Michael Duffy, said: “The RDS did not come to this decision lightly and only after detailed considerations of all the factors involved. However, we believe it is the most responsible decision we can make in the best interests of public health and safety.

“We understand that this will disappoint many members of the public and that it will have implications for many horse breeders and producers around the country.

“We trust that everyone will understand and support a decision made in the national interest. It is incumbent on all of us to do everything we can to support the measures introduced by the Government.”

Duffy also said “We are in discussion with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) in relation to the dates for the 2021 Horse Show and we will announce these dates when they are confirmed to us.’’

All tickets already purchased will be automatically refunded by Ticketmaster. Ticketholders are asked to allow seven to10 working days for the funds to appear in their account.