THE first qualifying round of the 2026 Berts Properties Starter Series, run by the Western Region of Eventing Ireland, was held last Sunday at Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre, where Jason Doerflinger-partnered horses filled three of the top four places in the Sligo Candy Boy four-year-old class.

All three youngsters are owned by regional chairperson Ralph Conroy, at whose Milchem Equestrian Centre Doerflinger is stable jockey. The pair struck with Milchem Margo (53 points), finished second with Milchem I Am (50.5) and placed fourth with Milchem Mirage (49) who picked up four jumping penalties.