Without sponsors, great events like this one simply wouldn't happen, so as supporters of Equestrian sport make sure you make the sponsors your first port of call if their product or service is one you require - and let them know that you are at their door because of their sponsorship!
right - the full list of The Heroes of Sport - the Sponsors - without them we wouldn't be bringing you this report!

And so it was back to the dressage - sadly, as you can see from the photos there were not huge numbers of spectators at the Dressage phase - but those who were there we on their mobile phones relaying the all important dressage scores to their friends who were possibly at work and unable to come out to Punchestown on a Thursday.

But regardless of that the supporters for the riders were there in full force and Austin O'Connor had his own personal fan club complete with banner and flags - these two girls were oddly enough not even Irish - one being from Germany and one a Brit - but both are based at Austin's yard in the UK. Austin rides Horseware Fabio who is owned by Tom McGuiness of Horseware and definitely an incredible supporter of equestrian sport throughout the world - including his sponsorship which extends to Australian eventers, showjumpers and dressage riders as far away as Australia - and I know that all the riders worldwide supported by Tom and his magnificent Rambo rugs are most grateful of his support! Tom is definitely one of the "Heroes of Equestrian Sport" - we thank you Sir!

above left - Horseware Fabio in action
above right - Tom McGuiness (right) chats after Austin's test

below left - Tom and Austin wander off for a quiet debrief after the test.
below middle - Austin chats for live radio coverage on "Irish Sporthorse Radio" which operates exclusively at Punchestown for the full four days with constant updates keeping everyone informed - these radios are available for purchase at the entrance for euro10 for the four days and well worth the money specially on Saturday when the Showjumping Grand Prix and Speed classes will clash with Cross Country!
below right - the wink and the smile say it all - as Austin catches his first sight of "the" banner!

above left - the "fan 1"

right - "the" banner

above right - the "fan 2"

left - "the" banner

Austin Connors ends Day One in 16th spot after the Dressage and was the highest placed of the two Irish riders to go so far with 53.60%. Susan Shortt and Just Beauty Queen finished in 23rd spot with a score of 55.80% and this sees the Irish team, after two riders in the Dressage from each team have gone sitting in 6th spot in the Teams competition - but there are two more riders to come and plenty more action before the final scores are in place.

For photos and more please click the link for page three.

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