AMATEUR riders had their first chance to book their place at the Dublin Horse Show last Monday at the Nutriscience qualifiers in Killossery. With a series of amateur shows prior to this first qualifier, amateur riders and their horses were fit and ready for the challenge. There was a big entry, with 141 combinations battling it out over three rounds for the eight places on offer. As expected, the class was hard fought and, to be in with a chance, competitors needed to be clear and within the 43-second mark.

Claiming the golden ticket was Nicole Lynch (AA) when she partnered the Carrickanee Sporthorses Ltd-owned My Velvet Lady to a clear in 38.59. Bred by George Orr, this 13-year-old mare is by Blue Velvet N and out of Rose of Moray. This combination went into this qualifier on a positive note, having claimed the 1.10m class at the Cavan April Horse Championships. They also took second place in the Amateur Balmoral Qualifier in Mullingar in April and a win in the 1m class in Kernans.