TIPPERARY Equestrian played host to the final of the RDS Amateur qualifiers last Saturday with 131 combinations battling it out in the Boomerang Horse and Country-sponsored round. This round was made up of 40 AA riders and 71 A category riders.

Claiming the first ticket was Martin Flesk (AA) when he partnered Killuppaun Magic to a clear in 30.66. This combination will not be fazed by the challenge having finished third in the Championship at the 2017 Dublin Horse Show. Owned by Flesk, the 15-year-old mare is by Hermes De Reve out of the Cavalier Royale-sired Cavalier Arch.

Hannah McNiven (AA) opted for the longer line with her own Hey You and came home with nothing to add in 33.06. This combination also has experience in the main arena in Dublin having qualified for the Championship in 2022.

Just over a second behind was Michael Murphy (AA) and Voodoo Quality when they came home just over a second behind in 34.33. The seven-year-old gelding was bred by Murphy by O.B.O.S. Quality 004 out of VDL Arkansas mare Sumas Maybe.

Slotting out into fourth place was A category rider, Megan Nelson when she kept all the poles in place with her own Fancy Trend, in a time of 35.27. No stranger to the RDS, Tyrone rider Joanna Curran (AA) and her own home-bred Drumcullen Lady slotted into fifth place when they galloped home in 35.58. Although Curran has competed in the RDS in previous years, taking fifth with Intis in 2019, this will be this combination’s first time together to take it on.

‘A’ category rider Niall Hughes put in a very fast clear, clocking 29.85 with his own Perle Fine but with four faults had to settle for sixth place. Kilkenny’s Michael Ormond and his own home-bred seven-year-old Kannan-sired mare Kylemore Lady had four faults in 30.55 for seventh place.

Maeve Duffy (A) also finished with one on the floor aboard the Wendy Condon-owned Top Aviator in a time of 31.21. Bred by Belmont House Stud, the nine-year-old is by O Piloth.