The Dublin Horse Show starts today at the RDS, offering prize money of over €500,000 and - perhaps more importantly - a chance for the Irish team to top the international Samsung Superleague.
The Irish are trailing the French by just half a point in the league, 36.5 points to 37, which is based on the performance of national teams at Europe's most prestigious showjumping events.
The Dublin Horse Show is the sixth of the eight equestrian shows at which teams can score points.
In the last event, at Hickstead in July, the Irish and the French scores were equal.
The winners of the Samsung Superleague of Ireland, this Friday, will also receive the Aga Khan Trophy. It is the only team event in the show.
However, there is plenty more to thrill and entertain the 100,000 visitors expected on this, the 130th horse show.
Among the jumping highlights likely to prove most popular are the Puissance, on Saturday, and the Grand Prix, on Sunday, the last day of the show.
The Horse Show is, of course, just as much a social event as a sporting event. Indeed, it has become one of the highlights of the Irish social calendar.
For those who prefer to concentrate on the competition outside the arena, an established favourite is Ladies Day on Thursday.
Both women and men will compete for "best dressed" titles.
Organisers are encouraging spectators to use public transport to get to the five-day event.
"The RDS is an ideal location to encourage people to use public transport, being close to the DART and to major bus routes," said the show director, Mr Gerry McAuliffe.
Car-parks in the RDS are closed for the duration of the show, though parking is available in Ballsbridge, at Wanderers Rugby Club, Merrion Road and Old Belvedere Rugby Football Club, Anglesea Road.
A special bus to the event is available from each of these locations for €5 and €8 respectively.