AMATEUR riders were out in force last weekend at Killossery Lodge Stud for the first round of the Irish Farmers Journal league. Claiming the opening round was Edwina O’Connor and Ashwood Reggie, clear in 34.88 seconds.

Laura Tierney and Oscar Encore, took the runner-up spot when they kept the poles in place in 35.95. Third place went to Jemma Kendellen and Quidams Clover, clear in 39.30, while in fourth was Megan Brennan with Quality NBZ when they delivered the last of the double clears in 41.52.

Yvonne Gavin and Nasty Boy V/H Russel Tveld took fifth place when they incurred two time faults in a time of 52.71. Completing the top sixth place was Leah Mahony and Moygannon April Diamond, fastest of the four-faulters in 31.99.

Win for Anderson

In the NutriScience Orchard Equestrian amateur qualifier, 26 combinations lined out and with riders on form, 10 double clears were delivered.

Claiming victory on this occasion was Kerrie Anderson and Bernadette Lady H, clear in 27.11. Colum Fitzpatrick and Maretto Flight took the runner-up place, clear in 39.87, while in third was Lisa Kennedy with Dunsoughly Nelson, crossing the line with nothing to add in 29.52.

Jacqueline Murphy and DHF Xanadu were fractions behind in 30.61, while slotting into fifth was Jenny Doran and HorsePlay Clover Star, clear in 31.97. A clear from Edel Tuite and Thomascourt BGS in a time of 36.10 saw her take sixth place.