26.08.08 - EVENTS

AINTREE TO HOST INTERNATIONAL POLICE HORSE OF THE YEAR AND WORLD FIREFIGHTERS GAMES 2008

As part of Liverpool’s successful European Capital of Culture Year, Merseyside Police have resurrected the prestigious International Police Horse of the Year Competition. 

This unique competition includes nuisance lanes to test the horses’ bravery to the maximum with all sorts of unusual hazards, as well as dressage and jumping. Competitions will take place at Aintree International Equestrian Centre, situated at the world-famous Aintree Racecourse, between August 26 and 28.

The international competition will form the centrepiece of the first large-scale equine display to be held at the new equestrian centre at Aintree, home of the Grand National. The display includes:

•    The Equestrian competition of the World Firefighters Games 2008 which are taking place in Liverpool at the same time *
•    The Merseyside Police Musical Ride
•    Disabled vaulting displays by the Crosby RDA group
•    Pony Club competitions
•    Classical Dressage displays
•    Merseyside Police Dogs

Inspector Graham Howard, Head of Merseyside Police’s Mounted Division, commented: “We are enormously proud to host this event in Merseyside. I think it will be a spectacular show that will showcase the skills and bravery of Police horses and their riders from around the world.

“This builds upon the recent success of the Lord Mayor’s Parade in Liverpool when we co-ordinated 43 Police horses from forces around the country in a spectacular parade. I think it will be one of those must-see events for families during the summer holiday break.”

The World Firefighters Games 2008 are being hosted by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service as its contribution to the city’s celebrations as European Capital of Culture 2008, and the Games will feature an equestrian competition for the first time in the event’s 20-year history.
Kieran Timmins is Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s Executive Director of Resources. A keen horse rider, he explained: “I’ve noticed how the Fire Service is a popular career choice for riders because the shift system can work well with the demands of competing. This new equestrian event as part of Liverpool’s World Firefighters Games will allow us to engage with the community and help spread our fire safety and prevention messages.

“Horses will also feature heavily in the Opening Ceremony of the Games. The opening parade around the city will include the Merseyside Police horses – who escort the Grand National each year – and an exhibition of traditional horse-pulled fire engines. It’s going to be a very special event.”

Tickets are £5 (adults) and £2 (concessions) and are available from the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall box office by calling 0151 709 3789 or through the website
https://boxoffice.liverpoolphil.com/online/seatSelect.asp?WSadmissions

The monies from tickets will go to support Riding for the Disabled programmes in Merseyside. Please note that audiences are limited to approximately 1,500 per performance so book early to avoid disappointment

NOTES FOR EDITORS

*The 10th World Firefighters Games take place in Liverpool this summer

Organisers of WFG08 are gearing up to welcome an estimated 5,000 firefighters from 40 nations between August 24 and September 2, 2008, for a 10-day festival of sport and camaraderie.

The event offers firefighters from around the world the opportunity to participate in a programme of 73 sporting and unique events in 43 host venues, including some of the best facilities that the North West has to offer. These include the world-famous Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool Football Club’s Training Academy, the new Liverpool Aquatics Centre, and the brand new £164 million Liverpool Echo Arena on the city’s World Heritage waterfront.

The Games is extremely inclusive and firefighters, serving and retired, and their immediate family are eligible. It is not just local authority firefighters either as firefighters from industrial/commercial, civil aviation, military and volunteer fire services are very welcome to come and compete and enjoy the varied social programme with their firefighting colleagues.

For full details or to enter the equestrian event email Kierantimmins@merseyfire.gov.uk or telephone 0151 296 4108.

Visit the World Firefighters Games website www.wfg08.com for a full events programme.

ENDS

For further information or to request pictures of events from previous World Firefighters Games please contact:

Erica Dillon
WFG08 Games Publicist
Telephone: 07990 501558
Email: ericadillon@merseyfire.gov.uk