In recognition of the expert and vital work that grooms provide to the horse industry and equestrian sport, Cian O’Connor’s Karlswood will sponsor a €10,000 competition for international grooms at RDS Dublin Horse Show 2024.  

The award was announced in a press release from the RDS on Wednesday. 

"RDS is delighted to facilitate the novel and generous initiative, which highlights the important role that grooms play within the industry," the press release stated. 

The prize fund of €10,000 will be broken down into three individual prizes of €5,000 for 1st, €3000 for 2nd and €2,000 for 3rd.  

To determine the three recipients of the prizes, Jimmy Doyle and Marie Yorke – two well-known, former international grooms – will assess the turnout of horses competing in three CSIO5* classes during the show: Thursday's Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes, Friday's Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the award of the Aga Khan Trophy, as well as Saturday's Dublin Stakes.

The presentation to the winning grooms will take place at 2pm in the Main Arena on the Sunday of the show during the RDS Show Awards.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Cian O’Connor stated in the press release: "This competition is about ensuring good horsemanship remains at the core of everything we do and rewarding those who do it best. Finding good quality staff is one of the major challenges facing our industry presently. Grooms who excel at their work must be acknowledged and rewarded and there is no place better to do it than at the RDS Dublin Horse Show. While it is undoubtedly a very fulfilling profession for those with a passion for horses, grooming also offers many possibilities for those with a good work ethic and who are interested in professional progression. Our two judges are a case in point, they both dedicated many years and excelled in the profession."

Pat Hanly, Show Director said: "The RDS is delighted to welcome this initiative from Karlswood. It highlights the importance of the groom in the success of any rider or stable. It is the grooms, and the background team, who provide the detailed care and ensure the day-to-day well-being of the horses.  For many it is a labour of love, the hours can be long, the work is physical and the attention to detail required is vital. It is the riders and horses that most often get the limelight and the glory, so it’s wonderful to see the grooms rewarded for a job well-done’."