QUALIFYING for Dublin is by no means an easy feat but year after year hundreds of under-age riders set themselves the task. The pony classes at the RDS often go down to the wire and the winners are always difficult to predict as the pressure of the main arena can take its toll.

In the 128cms division, there are several familiar faces set to turn to the hallowed turf. Runner-up last year, Rhys Williams will be looking to go one better in the 2015 championship, having qualified both PARC Giggles at Mullingar and PARC Lolita at the County Clare Showgrounds. Winner and runner-up at the qualifier at the County Clare with Buachaill Baire and Essenar Jinga respectively, Francis Derwin is also in with a strong chance.

The familiar pony Little Jack Spratt will return again to the RDS, this time under Max Wachman. One combination not to dismiss, having finished sixth last year, is that of Max Foley and Sparkel.

Another familiar charge in the RDS, Remington Steal will make a return under the command of Katie Power, having previously been ridden at Dublin by Jason Foley, Jack Foley, Shane and Niall Dalton, to name but a few.

In the 138cms division, the 2014 champion Harry Allen has another seasoned pony, Lough Gill, to take on another hot favourite, the 2014 runner-up, Kate Derwin, who has this year given herself double the chance of winning by qualifying both Small Titan and Sligo Lux To Queeney.

A prolific winner last year, Ciaran Nallon and Ballygawley Braveheart is always one to keep a close eye on, while Jason Foley will partner Kiltormer Hero, both of whom have plenty of experience at this level. Lucy Shanahan put in two impressive qualifying rounds at Mullingar and Barnadown with Creative Dancer, who was previously campaigned by Hannah O’Shea and finished third in the RDS in 2011.

In the 148cms division, Jack Ryan is one to watch having qualified Touch of Frost V and Sixmilewater Blaze at the first qualifier at Cavan. Ryan was part of the Irish children on horses team that recently took second place at Hagen, so he will be well up for the challenge.

Placed eighth last year, Bertie Brown will be making a return visit, having claimed the win in Mullingar qualifier under the guidance of Robbie Clancy. Runner-up at Mullingar with Tynan Bo-Bo, Abby Morton has plenty of experience to call on, having finished seventh in 2014. The 148cms six/seven year-old division is always a particularly tough one to call. However Jessica Kuehnle is no stranger to producing young ponies and she will be one to watch as she takes it on with the six-year-old stallion River Casanova. Last year Kuehnle took the runner-up spot with Willie’s Choice. Similarly, Abby Morton is no shortage of experience and she will be contesting this division with the six-year-old Annie May. Other seasoned competitors to watch in this section are Cian Harrison (Lookout Mr Jones), Ciaran Nallon (Javas Lady Bug) and Michael Roche (Bellegrove Diva).

YOUNG RIDERS

Young riders at Dublin battle it out not only for a title, but also a valuable training bursary with an international rider.

In the 1.10m-1.15m division, Christopher Connell and BVS Echo Island winners of three qualifiers at Ennis, Mullingar and Barnadown are certainly a combination to watch. However the pair will not have it all their own way as Cavan winners Michaeli Ann Byrne and King Diego have notched up a series of wins at this level.

Aoife Cuffe and Lady Amaretto won’t be fazed by the pressure of Dublin, having finished fifth in the championship last year, while Roisin Fagan turned heads this year when she clocked up a series of good results in the Connolly’s Red Mills Spring Tour. This year she will partner Pocahantas, who also has delivered some impressive results at this level.

A former charge of Ellie Moloney, Errigals Rock will again contest this division with Nicola Ring in the saddle, this pair having qualified with an impressive performance at Barnadown.

The 1.30m division will also see some seasoned competitors in action. A familiar name on the senior circuit, Gabriel Slattery’s stallion CC Captain Cruise will be campaigned at Dublin by Jordan Kilkenny, while the well known competitor in this division, Kerry Taggart, will be looking to make her presence felt with HHS 007.

Nano Healy always proved very competitive in the pony ranks and no doubt he will have the same determination in the horse classes. This year he will partner Trickin Around. Winner of the round in Ennis, Kevin Gallagher and Quito De Millie will be ones to watch after they crossed the line almost six seconds faster than his closest rival.

Sven Hadley has won the 1.40m title for two consecutive years and next week will be riding Quanbell and Adelgonde Z, two very experienced horses with a series of good results in Europe in the senior arena.

Graduating from successful pony careers, Susan Fitzpatrick (Cavalino), Jessica Kuehnle (Tullibards Benny’s Legacy) and Matt Garrigan (Sterling Un Prince) will all be hot favourites on the day. Each of the trio have prepared for Dublin by competing in the senior Grand Prix ranks earlier this year.

Anna Carway demonstrated plenty of form in the Spring Tour and she will be looking claim a title with Ajaccio, having been part of the junior team at Hagen that finished third. Prolific winners on the senior circuit, Daniel Coyle and Uptown Girl, will have their sights firmly set on a win, while last year’s 1.30m winners Noelle Barry and Norway Venture have moved up a grade with the aim of repeating their success at 1.40m. Hoping to challenge them for the title will be Seamus McSorley and Beach Ball, whose ability has been proven at senior level.

CHILDREN ON HORSES

Although the children on horses classes are relatively new to the RDS, competitors in this division are well seasoned having competed at the highest level at home and abroad. The riders in this category are not only very determined but they are also armed with some very capable horses.

Abbi O’Sullivan may only be riding Miss Souri since May but proved they had no problems delivering the goods when taking the qualifier in Mullingar.

Laura Miller and Romeo made no mistake in the qualifier at Cavan when taking the honours with over five seconds to spare, so they will be fast against the clock in Dublin.

The former national Grand Prix winner mare Lolita will be partnered by Mackenzie Healy and, with a host of wins under the mare’s belt, this combination will definitely put it up to the rest. Daniel Fitzgerald and Gucci Lady are definitely ones to watch, having led the victory lap at both Ennis and Barndown.

AMATEURS

In the amateur division, Lorraine McGuinness and Russian Gold have been very competitive this year and are particularly good against the clock but Maryville winners Fiona Mullins and Verolinde can’t be dismissed if they proceed to the final round. Kildare rider, Sharon McConnell and Happigolucki are also quick against the clock and will be up for the challenge.

A familiar face in the amateur ranks, Sheikh Samir Mirdad will have his eye on the title as he takes it on with Mirdads Maaa Shaaa Allah. Maria Dagg and V. Adermie 57 will have no shortage of support on the sidelines and will be keen to record a win.

Another rider with plenty of support is Michael Floody and Pikachus Son, Michael having will the help of his brother John.

Following her impressive win in the final of the Jumping in the City Series with King Cruise, Joanne Penfold has to be a hot favourite, closely followed by Aoife Maguire (Mane Attraction) and Aileen Mc Dermott (Kilcor Amber).