AMATEURS riders were back out last weekend in a bid to book their place at Dublin Horse Show. This time it was the Munster region that hosted the third qualifier with riders flocking to Tipperary Equestrian on Saturday. Between the two categories, 134 combinations battled it out. In Section A, three triple clears were delivered, while in the AA section, six triple clears were recorded.

Making a welcome return to the RDS will be Co Meath’s Peter Dargan (A) when he partnered his own Ballivor Man to a clear in a time of 33.14 seconds. This combination was in good form going into the qualifier having claimed two wins at Mullingar International and a win the previous week at the Orchard Equestrian/NAPS Amateur in Edgeworthstown. Owned by Dargan, the 17-year-old gelding is by Ard VDL Douglas out of the Graf Magna-sired Lady Graf. Peter purchased the gelding from Robert Frazer in 2019.

Fellow ‘A’ category rider Sarah Dinan also remained within the 40-second mark when she delivered a clear with her own DRS Analemma in 37.07 to take second place.

Fraction of second

Holly Morrissey was only a fraction of second behind with AD Fundum D’Erser Z, crossing the line clear in 37.52 for third place. Dinan, who is from Cork, has produced the now 13-year-old mare since the age of five.

A clear from Roscommon’s Tara Brandon and Castlelawn Captain Junior in a time 38.27 saw them take fourth place. Owned by Gabriel Slattery, this 11-year-old stallion by Captain Clover has jumped with his owner with much success up to national Grand Prix level. Little separated the next placing as Caitlin Duffy galloped home aboard Jockeyhall Midas Touch with nothing to add in 38.56 for fifth place. Owned by Anita Duffy, this 11-year-old gelding is by Baloubet Du Rouet. This combination recently claimed the Botanica International Amateur Championship.

Wexford’s Alice Martin Jones (AA) left nothing to chance as she came home with a clean sheet with Paloma V/D Padenborre in 39.60 for sixth place. This seven-year-old mare, previously owned by Philip Carey, is by Quidam De Revel. Alice took over the ride from Robin Carey this April.

No stranger to the RDS, Barbara Fahey booked her place when she answered all the questions with Earlspark Dior in 40.95 for seventh place. This 17-year-old mare is by Pilgrim out of Earlspark Aunastassia. She has been a loyal servant for Fahey, having begun their career together in 2009.

Breda Perrin (A) and Erronagh Sky were last of the triple clears in their category in 41.79 for eighth place. This amazing 20-year-old gelding is by Cruising out of Arctic Sky.