WITH 16 coveted spots available for the Dublin Horse Show in the Children on Horses category, the competition in these qualifiers has always gone down to the wire and is often decided by the narrowest of margins. If the qualifiers are anything to go by, the competition in Simmonscourt will be electric when the 16 combinations line out - four from each qualifier.

At the Meadows, Leinster riders made their presence felt with Alice Hartford and Kilderrys Joint Venture taking the win when they delivered the fastest triple clear. This combination has clocked up some impressive results in the Equijump COH Spring Tour and will be one to watch.

Kilderrys Joint Venture also brings valuable experience to the ring, having previously competed under Aisling McGuinness in young rider classes.

A second divided the placings as Chantal Whitehead partnered Sarah Crosbie’s MHS Cuffesgrange to a clear. This duo has shown strong form, notably at the Mullingar CSI2*, and will carry valuable mileage into the show. Completing the podium with the final triple clear was Millie Jeffers who impressed on her debut ride aboard Glidawn Gigi. Edward Walsh put in a very fast round with Diamante but had one on the ground to secure his place.

Having recently taken top honours at the Children on Horses Ballinroe Premier in Cavan, this exciting combination remains firmly in contention.

In Cavan just two double clears were delivered. Taking the win was Oscar Hand and LDEC Solo, when they had one down in the third round. This combination has proved very consistent before and after the qualifiers and will surely be in contention. James Walsh opted to not contest the third round with Ger O’Neill’s Currency, but their second-round clear secured them their place.

Walsh also placed third with Ballygerald Blue Belle, highlighting his abilities at this level. Ellie Sheane and Cooley Limited Edition also had one down in the second round for eventual fourth, but was extremely fast across the ground which will stand to her in Simmonscourt. Zac Hanna and Marylynn TN had two down in the second round which would see her take fifth place.

Talent

In Ard Chuain, the level of talent saw the competition stretch to a third round. It was a win for Connaught as Ella Rush and Beach Buggy emerged victorious. This combination has proven extremely consistent at the highest level with both Ella and Harry Rush.

Munster rider Jack Dore was almost two seconds behind with Hermies Vh Bergerhof Z, again this combination has delivered very impressive results with Jack and, before him, Kian Dore. Ryan Horgan and Ajaccienne took third and slotting into fourth was James Ryan and Ballygerald De Reve. Both these combinations have proved very consistent and will no put up a strong challenge.

The final qualifier in Barnadown wrapped up the series in style with Lucia Keane and Elia producing the fastest triple clear of the day. Fellow Munster rider Joe Widger and Jerenice Dysenbeeck Z claimed the runner-up spot when he was less than a second behind.

A very fast clear from Honor Bills-Everett and Godiva Quality saw them take third place. Placed fifth in the last qualifier in Ardchuain, Yelena O’Keeffe secured her place when she partnered Kilfarissey Krystal to a clear for eventual fourth and as a result secured her place.

All these combinations have proven themselves at this level over the season and will certainly be in contention.

With each of them having earned their place through some very tough competitions, the stage is now set for a thrilling showdown at the Dublin Horse Show’s Simmonscourt arena.