THE last international class of the day, the Land Rover Puissance RDS qualifier, saw seven riders take on the wall.

Starting at 1.60m, Mikey Pender and Hearton Du Bois Halleux were the first of six to clear it. Joining Pender in the second round was Richard Howley (Notice Me), Nano Healy (KMS Clintland), Thomas O’Brien (Dakarla), Wesley Ryan (Larthago) and Christopher Connell (Sir Oakesy).

Sarah Wiers and Mr Valley were the only riders at this stage who failed to progress. Wesley Ryan and Christopher Connell were next to go out when they failed to clear the wall in the third round, standing at 1.90m. There was great excitement as four combinations progressed to the final round, including local rider Nano Healy. Despite great support from the crowd, the first four combinations failed in their attempt to clear the wall at 2.10m and it wasn’t until the last combination of Richard Howley and Notice Me that all the pieces were kept in place, sealing the win for the Co Sligo man.