The National Grand Prix season kicks off this weekend with Louth County show playing host to the first rounds of the Horseware – TRM National Grand Prix League on Saturday and the Premier Series on Sunday.

The leagues, which is a joint sponsorship deal between two of the world’s leading equine companies TRM and Horseware sees a total sponsorship commitment of €150,000 over a three year period. 2016 mark’s TRM’s sixth year of sponsoring these high profile leagues, while in 2013 Horseware came on board as dual sponsor.

As well as the lucrative prize fund, the Premier Series will see the top three riders in the league gain qualification to the international classes in the Dublin Horse Show. Regarded as the pinnacle of Irish showjumping, the winner of the overall Premier Series will also be crowned the National Showjumping Champion.

In a nail-biting finish at the Meadows last year, Meath native Alexander Butler was crowned the TRM/Horseware Premier Series Champion, while Darryl Walker was crowned the TRM/ Horseware National Grand Prix Champion at Barnadown. Both riders are expected to be back again this year to defend their titles along with other top national and international riders

Managing Director of TRM, Raoul Masterson said; “ Year on year the leagues get stronger, and bridge the gap between domestic competition and international success. This sentiment was evident last year with 2014 Premier Series winner Greg Broderick’s debut on the winning Aga Khan team. The tight battle in last year’s Premier Series leaderboard further highlights the incredible horsemanship we have here in Ireland. We very much look forward to working with Horseware, Showjumping Ireland and all associated show venues once more throughout the summer of 2016.

Tom MacGuinness, Managing Director of Horseware Ireland ‘’Horseware are committed to the National Grand Prix and Premier Series. We have had a strong working relationship with TRM over the past number of years and look forward to the season ahead’’.

Followers of the league are encouraged to become involved in the league by sharing their images, news and favourite moments of the league through the dedicated hashtag #followtheleague.