THE Amateur Championship at this year’s Dublin Horse Show promises to be another competitive final, with a blend of defending champions, former finalists and in-form newcomers all set to contest the coveted title. More than 450 combinations battled through four demanding qualifiers at Killossery, Kernans, Galway Equestrian and Tipperary Equestrian, with only 32 earning their place in the RDS.

Heading the list of favourites are Niamh Quinn and Clonguish Vivaro, who return to defend the title they claimed in emphatic fashion last year. The experienced partnership once again demonstrated their class during the qualifying campaign, finishing runner-up at Kernans after chasing home Gwyn Yemm and Dooniniz. With championship-winning experience and a horse that thrives in the big atmosphere, Quinn will undoubtedly be one of the combinations to beat.

Last year’s reserve champions, Caitlin Duffy and Jockeyhall Midas Touch, also return looking to go one better. Although a single rail denied them a win in Kernans qualifier, the pair demonstrated their talent when the pressure is on.

Another rider with valuable Dublin Horse Show experience is Gwyn Yemm, whose victory at Kernans confirmed that Doonini Z is once again in peak form. The combination qualified for the Dublin Horse Show in 2025 and progressed to the championship final, and with another year of experience behind them they look well equipped to challenge for the honours.

Gwyn Yemm and Doonini Z were the fastest of six triple clears in a 13-way jump-off to clinch the amateur Dublin qualifier at Kernans \ Contrast Captured

Among the standout performers of this year’s qualifiers was Nathan Kenny and Lachain Princess. Their commanding victory at Galway came on the back of successive wins in the Derravarra Qualifier and the Amateur Championship at Mullingar CSI2*, making them one of the form combinations heading into the RDS. Their consistency throughout the summer suggests they have both the confidence and speed required for championship success.

Few riders arrive with as much momentum as Luke Barton. Despite transport difficulties at the final qualifier, he still secured qualification with Roadstown Lark.

Nicole Lynch and Carrickanee Sporthorses Ltd’s My Velvet Lady also announced themselves as serious contenders by winning the opening qualifier at Killossery. Their campaign has been built on consistency, with victories at Cavan and Kernans complemented by a runner-up finish in the Amateur Balmoral Qualifier. That level of form makes them one of the combinations capable of producing another standout performance at the RDS.

Nicole Lynch and My Velvet Lady, winners of the Amateurs RDS qualifier at Killossery \ Laurence Dunne jumpinaction.net

Several other experienced campaigners will also fancy their chances. Colm Fitzpatrick and Bluestone Diamond Fly have been among the most consistent performers on the amateur circuit and arrive following victory in the Ingrid Kane Grand Prix Inc. Farmers Journal A Qualifier. Lorraine Younge and Adieu Flight have continued their excellent form throughout the season.Nicola Hall and Ladykiller, and Jody Townend and JT Calover Junior have all shown they possess the consistency needed to feature in the closing stages of the championship.

The qualifiers have also introduced a number of exciting newcomers to the Dublin Horse Show. Dean Cotton and Imperial Darco Diamond and Fiona Brady and Kilrainey Firefly will all make their championship debuts after producing impressive qualifying performances. They will be joined by experienced combinations such as Barbara Clarke and Lupins Lux Z, whose horse boasts Grand Prix credentials, adding further depth to an already high-class field.

With defending champions returning, former finalists eager to improve on previous performances and several combinations arriving in career-best form, the Amateur Championship is set to be one of the highlights of the show jumping programme. Experience often proves invaluable in the unique atmosphere of the RDS, but this year’s qualifiers have shown that the emerging challengers have both the speed and consistency to threaten the established names.