LAST Sunday, young riders and children on horses took to the arena at Cavan Equestrian to battle it out for a place at the Dublin Horse Show.

Leading the victory lap in the 1.10m-1.15m decider, was Antrim rider Jodie Creighton with Newmarket Alloy. The pair were the fastest of only two triple clears in a time of 49.21 seconds.

Mark Finnerty secured his first ticket of the day when he partnered Diarado Royale to a clear in 57.68 for second. Pat Carroll proved that he could beat the time when he crossed the line with Lincoln Van De Ravershoek in 46.19, but four faults meant a third place finish for him.

Anna Baynes and Lochan Ramiro also put in a very fast time of 46.28, but a pole on the floor saw them take fourth. Claiming the last qualifying ticket was Thomas Foley and Cassido, four faults in 50.41.

Victory in the 1.25m-1.30m division went to Nano Healy as he partnered the Cavan Equestrian-owned Sligo Land Du Rouet to the win.

The combination were fastest of the five triple clears in 40.12. Only five places were up for grabs in this very competitive class with 120 going to post and the top five finishers staying within the 50-second mark. Mark Finnerty and All Action were fractions behind when clocking 40.78.

Grace McHugh and Berlios Van De Kapel opted for a more cautious approach and left everything in place in 44.08. Fourth place belonged to Cian Harrison and Mr Big Cash when they stopped the clock in 46.05, ahead of Susie Doyle and Herbst Acapella.

In the 1.35m-1.40m, just four tickets were up for the taking and with four riders delivering clears second time out, the tickets were accounted for at that stage. Sharing the win was Callum Quinn ( HFS Andora), National Young Rider Champion Jack Ryan (Cavalier Teaca), Jonathan Smyth (Ping Ball) and Kayleigh Soden (Ard Leaderman).

Children on Horses

Four qualifying places were up for grabs in the children on horses divisions and with a strong field going to post, the class was hard fought.

Leading the victory lap in the 1.10-1.15m class was Emma O’Connor and Coolrua, clear in 37.28. In total, 41 went to post and from those, six triple clears were delivered. O’Connor was chased home by Martha Hughes Bravo and HHS California who clocked 37.81.

In third was Daniel Moore and Scooby Bee, 38.91, while Sarah Fitzgerald and Master Holiday (39.01) finished in fourth place.