A FIRM favourite with spectators is the RDS Bursary class on Sunday with the Reape brothers, Senan (Creevagh Special) and Paddy (Mr Rocky Blue), joined there by Emily Moloney (Tick A LU) and Cian McMunn (Lisboy Emerald). It has been a memorable few weeks for the Reape family as Paddy was awarded the Bursary along with the Iris Kellett Perpetual Challenge Trophy.

These riders were put through their paces by British team show jumping performance coach Di Lampard. Throughout her illustrious career, Di amassed an impressive list of honours, holding the title of Leading Lady Rider for eight consecutive years and representing Britain at two World Equestrian Games, two European Championships, and in roughly 50 Nations Cup teams.

Riders first jumped their own horses over a course of 10 fences, and all put in a foot-perfect performance. For the second round, Moloney was first to go and rode Creevagh Special, Senan Reape rode Lisboy Emerald, Cian McMunn rode Mr Rocky Blue and Paddy rode Tick A LU. In the second round, all riders delivered clear rounds.

Lampard was full of compliments for the young riders and said “the future for Irish show jumping looks very bright.

“All four riders were super and, although they all delivered clears, it’s not always about clear rounds, it’s about consistency,” she said. She said it was a difficult decision, but she felt Paddy showed great rhythm and consistency.