IF the standard set by junior and young riders at the European Championships is any indication of Irish young riders’ ability, the RDS Young Rider classes are set to be a high-calibre competition across all categories.

1.25/130m

This year’s 1.25/1.30m qualifiers were hotly contested across the regions, showcasing depth in talent and thrilling jump-offs with just five places on offer at each. The 1.25/130m qualifier at the Meadows proved very competitive, with eight combinations going through to the third round in a tightly-packed contest.

The McFadden family dominated, with Connie McFadden and Domar Van De Neerheide taking the top ticket, closely followed by Cara McFadden and Orville Jack in second, while Ted Donohoe and Tankardstown Wilco took third. Last of the triple clears and slotting into fourth place was Niamh Devlin and HHS Toronto, in 47.25. James Derwin was fastest of the four-faulters with Amos L Z in 40.08 for fifth place.

Cavan hosted a thrilling qualifier with nine triple clears and the top six finishers all clocking under 35 seconds. The Connaught region will be well represented as Conor Gilmartin and Innisfree Beachbabe claimed the first ticket after a great display of riding. The intensity of the round was evident, with Arielle Allen (Kandice Z) and Iseult Fleming (Cristallo Boy) sharing second. Alanna Fagan will be making her return to the RDS having qualified the eight-year-old Billy Hastings as will the very competitive Katie Nallon who qualified Mulvin Cliodam.

At Ard Chuain, Siobhan Doyle and Dante Dv Z clinched the win in another closely-fought contest. The Hughes family booked another place in this round as Matilde Hughes Bravo claimed the runner-up spot with Miss Belgium III. Conrad Sweeney and Domino Van De Valhoeve will be one to watch in this category as will Jamie Hargaden and Gernon Rs who has proved very competitive this year. Alfie Adair and Tullyneagh were last of the triple clears.

In Barnadown, six triple clears made for another exciting finish. A familiar face in the RDS arenas, Katie Nallon took the first ticket with Bob Sweeney’s Mulvin Cliodam. Nallon was chased home by Ava Daly with Corraghoe Red. A clear from Patrick Fleming and Ballinaguilkey Fusion Exchange saw them take third place. Slotting into fourth place was European gold team medallist Alice Wachman and Thijssen Sr Z while in fifth was Bridin Doyle and Boleybawn Rigaletto.

1.35/1.40m

The 1.35/1.40m category is always one of the toughest challenges as many of these riders are also competing in the senior ranks and abroad. Four combinations qualify from each division. At the Meadows, no double clears were delivered but earning the four tickets were Robert Russell with Ballyrobin Nimmerdor, Kate McGovern and SHS Syberl, Camryn Clarke with Miracle ES and Stephen Gibbons with Cassius Z.

The qualifier at Cavan turned up the heat, with seven triple clears being delivered. Some very experienced combinations booked their place at this round. European team gold medallist Paddy Reape took the first ticket with Mr Rocky Blue and he will no doubt be looking to add to his impressive record. Wexford’s Lauren Adams who also has plenty of experience and results at home and abroad will be one to keep a close eye on as she qualified Quina DW.

Double gold European Championships medallist Emily Moloney and Temple Alice also booked her place here, when finishing third. A host of recent good results for Cáit Kenny and Good Guy D’Authuit makes them very strong contenders in this field after qualifying in Cavan.

Double European Junior show jumping gold medallist Emily Moloney with her winning mount Temple Alice have qualified for Dublin \ Siobhan English Photography

In the qualifier in Ard Chuain, five triple clears were delivered. Kilkenny’s Marta Hughes Bravo on HHS Figero has been having a great season and she demonstrated her strength as she took the first ticket. Senan Reape and Creevagh Special took the runner-up spot ahead of Cian McMunn and Lisboy Emerald who put in a very competitive round as did Jenny Dunlop with Questro Z.

The final qualifier in Barnadown was a test of nerve, with three rounds needed to separate the field. The four qualifying tickets, as per listed by the RDS entries on pages 36-37 went to Kristina Sumina with Bellevue Celestial, Annie Boland with Calisto Blanc, Abbie Oakley and Moningo - D Van’t Heyveld, and Katie Nallon aboard Cw Luiboutain.

1.10/1.15m

With big entries and tight finishes, this category has consistently delivered standout performances for the five tickets. No stranger to this pressure, Max Foley and Illusion de Hus booked their place when they took the win in the Meadows.

Johan Fitzpatrick Burns and Causeway Star were hot on his heals at the first qualifier and will be one to watch. Another familiar face in the RDS and securing her place was Alice Moloney and MHS Jolene. Ciara Geaney and CS Lux Chacco and Daniel Ring and Kilkern Quality also put in strong performances and will be ones to watch in this category.

Cavan saw new faces emerge, with Connaught rider Jack O’Shaughnessy partnering the six-year-old Kumera BW, dominating on speed and style to claim first place in a very fast time. If he repeats this performance in Simmonscourt, he will be hard to beat. Jack Cash and the five-year-old Pessoa took the runner-up spot ahead of Craig Hopkins and BEC Anka. Impressive performances were also delivered by Edie Codd and HDI Restless and Hilary Brannigan on Everdeen Waldstar Z (6yo).

It has been a few busy weeks for Emily Moloney. She claimed the first ticket in Ard Chuain aboard Mfe Class Diamante, when fastest of seven triple clears ahead of Michael McGrath. Another hot contender is Elle Greene and the seven-year-old Napardi. Others worth keeping a close eye on in this catogery are Tom Alta Tagle on the six-year-old Quinlan’s Hero and Natasha Foley and Ironnam.

It came down to the wire at the final qualifier with 103 combinations battling it out. Connaught rider Naomi Carr took the win with the five-year-old Emerald Kali when she delivered a triple clear. She was chased home by Lucy Morton and Jungfrau Du Thot (6yo) who was only fractions of a second behind.

The Sheehan family added another ticket to their results, as Isobel Sheehan took third place with the six-year-old Teddy Stardust. Little separated the next placing as Caoimhe Treacy and the six-year-old Hz secured their place as did Millie Jeffers and Brownstown’s I’m So Fancy (6yo), who put in an equally impressive performance to round out a fiercely contested qualifier.

Note: This preview is based on entries confirmed by the RDS and listed on pages 36-37.