THE Amateur Championship at this year’s Dublin Horse Show promises to be another competitive final, with a blend of defending champions, former finalists and in-form newcomers all set to contest the coveted title. More than 450 combinations battled through four demanding qualifiers at Killossery, Kernans, Galway Equestrian and Tipperary Equestrian, with only 32 earning their place in the RDS.

Heading the list of favourites are Niamh Quinn and Clonguish Vivaro, who return to defend the title they claimed in emphatic fashion last year. The experienced partnership once again demonstrated their class during the qualifying campaign, finishing runner-up at Kernans after chasing home Gwyn Yemm and Dooniniz. With championship-winning experience and a horse that thrives in the big atmosphere, Quinn will undoubtedly be one of the combinations to beat.