THE third round of the Dublin Horse Show Amateur Qualifier took place at Ard Chuain last Saturday with riders making the journey west in a bid to secure their place. As in previous rounds, the standard was extremely high with seven combinations delivering triple clear rounds.

Taking the win was Galway rider Barbara Fahy. Riding Earlspark Dior, she recorded the winning clear round in 40.33 seconds. This combination is no stranger to the RDS having finished fourth in the 2015 Dublin Horse Show.

Owned by Fahey, Earlspark Dior is a 12-year-old mare by Pilgrim out of Earlspark Aunastassia. The mare has been produced by Fahey from 80cms up through the amateur ranks. The combination have proved very consistent and have demonstrated their strengths in the 1.20m category.

Adrian Gilmartin and Carnaval Cocktail were over four seconds behind, clear in 44.03 for second. It was a worthwhile trip from Cork to Sligo for Sarah Connolly as she took third place with Shinawil when she crossed the line with nothing to add in 45.44.

Winner of the championship last year, Paul Carroll secured his place. This time riding Irene Lawler’s Colivia Van De Vallei, he slotted into fourth place, clear in 45.50.

It was a busy weekend for Andrew Byrne and Hunters Lodge Puissance as they finished sixth in the 1.10m Munster Stadium Jumping the night before. The combination added to their results when they finished in fifth place, clear in 45.63 seconds.

This combination will not be phased in the RDS having qualified for the five-star show in 2015.

Marie Hartley slotted into sixth place when she partnered Scarthill Vendi, ahead of Amy Walsh and Keylogues Gold. In eighth were Antoinette Burns and Castlelawn Splendid, fastest of the four-faulters in 41.21.

Amateur riders have one last chance to qualify for the RDS at the last qualifier in Ennis today (Saturday).