THE MEADOWS EC drew a large crowd for the latest RUAS qualifiers for Balmoral Show last Sunday, where the joint-hosts were the Iveagh Showjumpers.

The weather conditions were good and the arenas looked spectacular, with their colourful fences and bright floral decorations.

There was good competition across the board, where riders competed to claim one of the seven qualifying places in each of the classes.

A strong team of almost 50 amateur riders were up first and they did not disappoint the crowd of spectators who were there to support.

As ever, the going was fast and furious with 15 combinations making it through to the jump-off over a course built by Ray Buchanan and Aaron McCusker.

The double A’s came out on top, with the win going to Cookstown’s Dean Cotton on his 13-year-old gelding, Coolda Castaway.

Following close behind was Catherine Drain on Alaska M with Alexandra Robinson slotting into third place.

The five-year-old class saw victory going to Emily Turkington on Gillian Lee’s Luidam’s Diamond, a gelding by Luidam out of a Rantis Diamond dam who had a 0.3-second margin on second-placed Simon Scott riding Patricia McCollum’s Ballymulholland Echo Lass.

In the six and seven year-old class just 11 of the 34 starters made it through to the jump-off where Shannon Mackenzie from Randalstown had her sights firmly set on Balmoral Park. She delivered a superb speed round to claim the red rosette with almost two seconds to spare on Tara Dunne and Mouse C.

The final qualifying class, the 1.35m, saw the North West’s Jordan Coyle secure his Balmoral passport on Jim Maneely’s, Amigo VH Winkenshof Z, an eight- year-old, bay gelding by Amoroso Van De Helle out of a Lancer 11 mare. Joanne Blair and OTT Alfie slotted into second place.

Meanwhile arena two was kept extremely busy with classes running from 80cms to 1.20m. Iveagh Showjumpers and MEC would like to thank all the Judges and helpers who made this day a very successful one.

Best wishes go to all those competitors who have gained qualifying places at RUAS. The current series of registered jumping continues at The Meadows next week, please contact Winnie on 07846353391 with any inquiries.