THE first of the national show jumping classes - for which combinations had to qualify - began in Balmoral on Wednesday, drawing a competitive field and setting a high standard for the days to follow.

First up in the beautiful main arena was the Bluefrog five-year-old Championship where 20 combinations lined out and seven produced a first-round clear to make it into the jump-off. Taking the win was Aisling McGreal and her own Monbeg Crystal. Fourth to go against the clock, they lodged the winning clear round in 35.97. Bred by Marti Rudd, the mare is by HHS Cornet out of the performance mare Ballycapple Mist (Boherdeal Clover).