WITH time running out to secure qualification for the four, five, six, seven and eight-year-old classes at the Dublin Horse Show, the standard of jumping remained strong in Wednesday’s penultimate qualifying round at Barnadown Showjumping.

The four-year-old class as always had a large number of entries on the day with 38 of the starting 79 progressing to the judged second round. On duty to decide the six places on offer was Jörn Kusel, a representative of the Hanoverian Society and Marcel Beukers, the Dutch KWPN representative.

In the end it was Damien Griffin’s mount Ganesh Hero Z which was awarded top marks of 84.75. Bred by Garry Marron and Luc Henry, the stallion is by Gemini CL xx out of the Diamant de Semilly-sired dam Hiamant Vant’t Roosakker. Gemini CL xx is a clone of Gem Twist, winner of individual and team silver at the 1988 Olympics with American rider Gregory Best.

Cathy Cuffe’s Katorevel (Quaid – Satisfaction), ably piloted by Ita McDermott, slotted into the runner-up position on a score of 81. While taking third place only a single point behind was Susan Fitzpatrick and her own CBI Victory (Vittorio – Diamant de Semilly).

The five-year-old class remained exceptionally competitive where, in a repeat of the last two qualifying rounds, a triple clear did not guarantee qualification with 12 combinations keeping a clean sheet in the third round for only nine available places.

Kevin Gallagher proved fastest on the day to secure the win when recording a time of 35.83 with HHS Calmaria. Owned by Miguel Bravo and bred by Marion Hughes, the mare is by Cyrano out of the Couletto-sired dam Chester Lass. Gallagher’s result ensured he filled his quota in the five-year-old divisions having already qualified Presidential Ball at Maryville E.C.

Tim Page took the runner-up position with Hillcoote Border Fox, completing in 36.05. By Pacino, the stallion is out of a Cruising dam and is no stranger to the Dublin Horse Show having competed in the four-year-old class last year.

Kellie Allen also ensured a second mount for Dublin when slotting into third place aboard the Noel Cawley-bred Jacarina (Jack of Diamonds – Cruising).

The six-year-old class saw 63 combinations coming forward for their chance at a Dublin ticket. Whittling the numbers down over the first round to a more manageable 14, only seven of these remained faultless in the second round to ensure an earlier finish to the class while the fastest two four faulters also claimed a qualifying spot.

The double clears were Maura Counihan (Killerisk Can Ya); Nicholas Butler with CMS Daenerys and Harmonie L, Gerard Clarke (Honfleur), Joyce Veld (Corraghoe Bounce), Derek McConnell (Dothraki Warlord) and Damien Griffin (Celtic Hero BZ)

WIN FOR RYAN

The seven and eight-year-old class proved dominated by the younger horses with only one eight-year-old finishing inside the top six, Hollypark Galloway ridden by Tim MacDonagh. Darragh Ryan emerged as the clear winner in the 18-strong jump-off when logging a time of 43.48 with Flexability.

Owned and bred by Dr. Noel Cawley, the seven-year-old Flex A Bill-sired gelding is out of the Diamond Lad-sired Diamond Ballerina which also produced Solerina, which jumped up to 1.60m with Shane Sweetnam and Rincarina, a prolific winner with Greg Broderick.

Kevin Gallagher was in his second line-up of the day when coming home just behind Ryan in a time of 44.10, partnered on this occasion with HHS Toronto (Cavalier Royale – Don Juan de la Bouverie).

Marion Hughes booked yet another ticket for her Kilkenny-based stables taking the yellow rosette when HHS Fortune (Catoki – Ard VDL Douglas) crossed the line in 46.75.

One chance remains for Dublin hopefuls with the final qualifier taking place on June 27th at Galway Equestrian Centre.