THE Plusvital Arena at Barnadown hosted the RDS four-year-old qualifier last Wednesday week (June 24th), where due to the very high temperatures, the class was changed from a two-round competition to one-round judged, in the best interests of the young horses. Horses were judged and awarded points for future potential, rideability and jumping technique for the eight golden tickets available. The two judges on the day were both experienced German judges, namely Philipp Bolle and Willi Brunkhorst.

David Moran with the Racecourse Farm Ltd grey gelding HK Horatio delivered a very good clear to earn the highest mark of the day to score 86 points. HK Horatio is by ESI Indigo and bred by Gerard O’Neill. Speaking after his win, David Moran described Horatio as easy going, with a very mature brain, while being scopey and careful - everything you would want from a four-year-old. He is looking forward to competing at the RDS and excited for the future of this very talented horse.