YOUNG riders and Children on Horses had their chance to secure their place to the Dublin Horse Show at the penultimate qualifier held at Ard Chuain in Co Sligo. First into the arena were competitors in the 1.35/1.40m and this class went down to the wire for the four qualifying places, with five delivering triple clears.

Taking the win was Kilkenny’s Marta Hughes Bravo on HHS Figero, when they put in a lightening-fast round of 35.05 in the third-round jump-off. Resident rider Senan Reape and Creevagh Special took the runner-up spot when they crossed the line in 35.73. Another Connaught rider, Cian McMunn, and Lisboy Emerald were only fractions behind in 36.41. Jenny Dunlop accounted for eventual fourth when she stopped the clock with Questro Z in a time of 37.57, while last of the triple clears and taking fifth was Katie Nallon and CW Luiboutain in a time of 38.56.

High standard

There was a big turnout for the 1.25/1.30m division, with 92 going to post for just five tickets to Dublin and again the standard was high, with 20 proceeding to the third round. Of those that contested the jump-off, five delivered triple clears. Taking the win was Siobhan Doyle and the eight-year-old Dante DV Z in a time of 36.52. It was a good day for HHS as Matilde Hughes Bravo claimed the runner-up spot with Miss Belgium III when they were just over a second behind in 37.76.

Conrad Sweeney and Domino Van De Valhoeve took third place when they galloped home in 37.86, ahead of Jamie Hargaden and Gernon RS in 38.71. Last of the triple clears was Alfie Adair and Tullyneagh in 39.65 for fifth place.

Emily Moloney claimed victory in the 1.10/1.15m division with Katherine Charlton’s six-year-old MFE Class Diamante when fastest of seven triple clears in 38.79. Taking the runner-up spot was Michael McGrath and the seven-year-old Abbey Lagans in a time of 40.10.

Elle Greene and the seven-year-old Napardi took third when they crossed the line in 40.94, while in fourth was Tom Alta Tagle on the six-year-old Quinlan’s Hero, clear in 43.38. Fifth place belonged to Natasha Foley and Ironnam (7yo), in a time of 43.39, while completing the top six line-up was Isobel Sheehan and Teddy Stardust (6yo), when they clocked 43.48. There were five qualifying spots up for grabs.

Ella Rush crowned a super weekend when winning the Children on Horses qualifier with Beach Buggy when fastest of four triple clears in a time of 32.14. Jack Dore was almost two seconds behind with Hermies Vh Bergerhof Z (34.04). Munster riders filled the next three spots in the line-up, with Ryan Horgan and Ajaccienne taking third after crossing the line in 35.29. Slotting into fourth was James Ryan and Ballygerald De Reve, triple clear in 42.74.

Report is based on SJI Live and qualified combinations will be confirmed by Showjumping Ireland.