THIS year’s Amateur Championships at the RDS promises to be a nail-biting one. Every year, the standard in the qualifying rounds has steadily risen across the amateur ranks, but this year, to book a place at Dublin, combinations needed to produce three double clears and be fast in the jump-off.

The first qualifier took place at Kernans Equestrian Centre with 145 combinations going to post. Some familiar faces booked their spot in the first round. Taking the first ticket was Carlow’s Leonie Dunne (A) and Cavalino 26. This combination will not be fazed by the pressure having competed in the Dublin Horse Show in 2022 and in the RDS National Championships in 2021.

Well familiar with the RDS, Louth’s Lorraine MacGuinness (A) opted for the safer route and it paid off with Horseware Kinmar Night. Kilkenny’s Marie Hartley (AA) and Nikita Van Het Heidenhof will also be returning to the RDS with a win in mind. This combination has been in form of late, clocking up results in the Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour against full time senior riders. A familiar face in the RDS, Sheikh Samir Mirdad secured his place with Mirdads Soooraaat Alrahmaaan and he will be giving it his best shot having made the final on more than one occasion. Michael Floody (AA) will be making his return to the RDS as will Gemma Drennan aboard her own Cool Finesse. Another determined combination booking their ticket is Jacqueline Murphy and DHF Xanadu.

Waterford’s Roisin Donnelly booked her place with Seaforde at the Galway qualifier. This combination has clocked up some good results in recent months, finishing fifth in the Botanica International Championship at Balmoral. Donnelly is no stranger to the RDS having qualified Seaforde in 2022 and in 2018. Similarly Caitlin Duffy and Jockeyhall Midas Touch, who also qualified last year, booked their place at Dublin at this round.

New to the RDS but with plenty of talent and determination is category ‘A’ rider Fergus Lawlor. He qualified at Galway when fastest of 11 triple clears aboard Parkcross Casper. At Killossery Lodge Stud, Louise Craig secured her ticket with her seven-year-old mare Cherry Wine. Craig has produced the mare since a four-year-old and they will be making their debut in the amateur ranks at Dublin and will no doubt be looking to make an impression.

At the penultimate round at Killossery Lodge Stud, the very experienced Peter Dargan took the first ticket with his own Ballivor Man. This combination boasts an impressive record and are among those hotly tipped for a win. Their record last year includes winning the Amateur Farmers Journal League last year. They qualified for the Dublin Horse Show last year but missed out on a place in the main arena when they had four faults in both qualifiers.

Strong contenders

All eyes will be on the National AA Amateur Champion Aideen Kirby as she booked her place when finishing second at Killossery with Derg Masterpiece. This combination finished in fifth place last year in the RDS final championship at Dublin. Fermanagh rider Caitriona Cody and Shanroe Socialite are qualified and will be making a return having qualified for Dublin in 2019.

The final round at Tipperary saw riders under pressure to book coveted places, but with experience on their side, the standard again was very high. Claiming the first ticket was Martin Flesk (AA) when he partnered Killuppaun Magic. This combination will not be overwhelmed by the challenge having taken third place in the Amateur Championship at Dublin in 2017. Owned by Flesk, the 15-year-old mare is by Hermes De Reve out of the Cavalier Royale-sired Cavalier Arch.

Hannah McNiven (AA) and Hey You took the runner-up spot and won’t be distracted by the challenge ahead having qualified for the Championship in 2022.

Tyrone rider Joanna Curran (AA) and her own home-bred Drumcullen Lady will be ones to keep a close eye on having slotted into fifth place in the final qualifier. Although Curran has competed in the RDS in previous years, taking fifth with Intis in 2019, this will be this combination’s first time to take on Dublin together.

Category ‘A’ rider Niall Hughes is one to watch against the clock with his own Perle Fine as is Kilkenny’s Michael Ormond aboard his own home-bred seven-year-old Kannan-sired mare Kylemore Lady. Michael Murphy also booked his place in Killossery with his home-bred Voodoo Quality and has shown great promise in this category.