THE battle for the Children on Horses title at this year’s Dublin Horse Show is shaping up to be one of the most competitive championships of the week, with 16 combinations qualifying through four highly competitive rounds at Mullingar, Barnadown, Maryville and Cavan.

The opening qualifier at Mullingar immediately highlighted the depth of talent in the division, with 29 combinations chasing just four coveted tickets to the RDS. Connaught rider Edward Walsh stamped his authority on the series, guiding Diamante to the fastest of the triple clears in 37.27 seconds to head the qualifiers. Charlotte Foley and Cillbhrid Excel also looked impressive as they secured second in 37.89, while Colm Widger and Jerenice Dysenbeeck Z booked their place with a polished round in 39.61. Blathnaid Murphy and Godiva Quality completed the qualifying quartet.

Lucia Keane underlined her championship credentials at Barnadown with a composed display aboard Elia, producing three faultless rounds to claim victory in 38.50 seconds. Just fractions behind was Ben O’Connor and Katy Perry Therma WM, whose runner-up finish suggested they will be among the combinations to watch in Dublin. Gracie Kelly and Hermies VH Bergerhof Z also produced an eye-catching performance to finish third, while Pippa Moore and GSS Mircino claimed the final qualifying place.

Ellie Sheane and Monbeg Hendricks won the Children on Horses Qualifier at the Pony, Young Rider and Children on Horses Dublin Horse Show qualifiers held at Maryville Stables \ Justin Black Horse Sport Images

Perhaps the standout performance of the series came at Maryville, where Ellie Sheane and Monbeg Hendricks produced a blistering winning time of 29.83 seconds, comfortably the fastest winning jump-off of the qualifiers. Tosh Widger O’Riordan and Grantstown Charmer finished a close second, while Darragh Donovan and Bazilika once again demonstrated the consistency that will make them dangerous contenders at the RDS. Kitty O’Dea and Ikonic PB also progressed after another faultless display.

The final qualifier at Cavan produced the deepest field of clear rounds, with six combinations jumping triple clears. Taylor-Grace Nolan Gee and Taxi Van Stestavi emerged on top with an excellent winning time of 31.48 seconds, narrowly ahead of Eloise Trainor and Carrickadawson Womanizer. Ewan McGlinchey and Kleiner Prinz continued their consistent form to finish third, while Zahara Kirby Casola and Dofina Z secured the final qualifying place.

Although each of the 16 qualified combinations has earned their place through consistency and quality performances, several riders head to the RDS with genuine title ambitions. Sheane and Monbeg Hendricks arrive with the quickest winning performance of the series. All winners impressed with decisive victories in their respective qualifiers. However, with margins measured in 10ths of a second throughout the qualifying campaign, many of the challengers have already shown they have both the speed and consistency to challenge for honours.

With the qualifying series producing outstanding competition from start to finish, the Children on Horses Championship promises to be one of the highlights of the Dublin Horse Show, where Ireland’s leading young riders will battle for one of the sport’s most coveted national titles.