Earlier this week, Investec and Horse Sport Ireland announced a major new sponsorship deal between the financial institution and governing body of Irish equestrian sport.

The deal sees Investec confirmed as the first ever corporate sponsor for the Irish show jumping team. The partnership will see Investec sponsoring Team Ireland’s involvement in the Dublin Horse Show and FEI European Championships at Aachen, Germany – a key stage for Horse Sport Ireland as Ireland’s show jumpers focus their individual and collective efforts on qualifying for the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Ireland now has nine riders placed in the world top 100, with Bertram Allen at No 7. Allen was on hand with Capt Michael Kelly and Greg Broderick for the announcement along with Investec’s own iconic equine brand ambassador – its well-known Zebra, Nairobi.

Speaking at the launch of the sponsorship, Michael Cullen, chief executive at Investec in Ireland, said: “Investec is really pleased to partner with Horse Sport Ireland this summer as it finalises its preparations to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“Ireland is an exemplar in the equestrian world, renowned for breeding world-class horses and developing show jumping talent to compete with the very best at international level. This latest sponsorship builds on many high-profile and enduring engagements Investec has, both in Ireland and internationally, with leading teams and individual sporting figures in golf, rugby, hockey and horse racing.”

Welcoming Investec as sponsor Prof Pat Wall, chair of Horse Sport Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Investec as sponsor of Team Ireland for the Dublin Horse Show and the FEI European Championships at Aachen, Germany.

“We are entering a crucial phase in qualification for the Rio Games in 2016 and support from Investec, which has developed so many winning partnerships, will give Team Ireland added support when we need it most.”