As expected, there was another strong turn out, with over 150 combinations battling it out for one of the eight remaining places at the final round.

Course designer Nigel Jess set the challenge and as in previous rounds, the course was up to height. Taking place in the Longines grass arena, riders faced three sets of doubles, along with a series of tight lines. A total of 30 combinations proceeded to the second round and from this number, seven combinations maintained clean sheets to secure their place to the RDS. Fastest of the four-faulters and occupying eighth place was Erinn McCullagh, riding the nine-year-old Lux Z sired mare, Fabulux.