As expected, there was another strong turn out, with over 150 combinations battling it out for one of the eight remaining places at the final round.

Course designer Nigel Jess set the challenge and as in previous rounds, the course was up to height. Taking place in the Longines grass arena, riders faced three sets of doubles, along with a series of tight lines. A total of 30 combinations proceeded to the second round and from this number, seven combinations maintained clean sheets to secure their place to the RDS. Fastest of the four-faulters and occupying eighth place was Erinn McCullagh, riding the nine-year-old Lux Z sired mare, Fabulux.

Winner of this qualifier last year, AA rider Paul Carroll was one of the seven riders to deliver clear rounds. This year Carroll will campaign John Floody‘s former mount, Castleroche La Roche, a 12-year-old gelding by Padarco.

Keith Cullen also booked his place with Strattenstown Eliah, which was formerly campaigned by young rider Kelly Taggart. No strangers to the RDS having qualified in 2012, Edel Kelly and Delphi Flyer booked their place again.

A familiar face in the amateur ranks, Enda Ivanoff secured his ticket with the 14-year-old Harlequin Du Carel mare, Quinsflight, as did Patrick Kirwin riding the Irish Sport Horse, Martello.

The combination of Alistair Barr and Colt Forthy Five will be making their first appearance at the RDS, but they are not short on experience having competed successfully up to 1.20m level this year. AA rider Joeleen Lynch riding Kiltomer Grandpa also kept all the poles in the cups to share in the victory lap.