CLOSE to 300 competitors were going all out last Sunday in the Children on Horses and Young Rider RDS qualifiers at The Meadows. Securing the first ticket was Munster rider Aoife Whelan aboard Norma Stafford Lynch’s Chippson-sired CES Chipalier when they clocked 39.84. Whelan was chased home by Cormac Taggart who kept everything in place with Mr Easy Street in 40.71. Amy Woods’s clear with Garryard Electrolux in 41.80 saw her secure third place ahead of Lily O’Dea and CSF Liquorice, in 42.72. Last of the triple clears and taking fifth was Alfie Adair and Caltra Artic, in 43.90. Warrington’s Emily Moloney proved out of luck with Sandballin when she had one on the floor in 49.93 for eventual sixth.

In the 1.25/1.30m Young Riders category, five RDS tickets were up for grabs and taking the first slot was Clare’s Conor Costello who was fastest of the triple clears in 37.96 with Annestown Clover Concorde. Cian Harrison and Mr Big Cash crossed the line clear in 41.07 for second. Max Wachman remained within the 42-second barrier with Cesha Old, clear in 41.53 for third. National young rider champion Jack Ryan booked his place with Zavatar F, when he kept all the poles in their cups, in 43.32 for eventual fourth. Accounting for fifth was Tomas Fahey and Milchem Galaxy, clear in 42.99.