BARNADOWN Showgrounds hosted the second round of the Pony, Young Rider and Children on Horses RDS qualifiers last weekend, attracting some of the country’s most promising young show jumping talent as competitors battled for coveted places at the prestigious Dublin Horse Show.

With large entries in each division, jumping began early with the 128cm qualifier, where 61 combinations battled it out over three rounds for the seven places on offer. The competition was intense, with 11 booking their place in the third round and 10 delivering treble clears. Taking the first ticket was Connaught’s Grace Mellett aboard Jamie Costello’s seven-year-old, Bronheulog Ruben, crossing the line in 30.12. Over two seconds behind, but filling the runner-up spot, was Jack Derwin on the eight-year-old Deelside Dolly in 32.18. Munster riders filled the next two spots, with Lily Lennon and Woodside Jerry-Lee coming home in 32.41 for third, while in fourth was Emily Mason and Mister Topgun, in 33.83. Leinster’s Saoirse Murphy and DHS Summer took fifth, when they stopped the clock in 34.70, while Mairead Kate Barry and the eight-year-old Loggy Star Lubelie, slotted into sixth, coming home in 35.34. Ulster’s Kara McLaughlin and Linde Hoeve’s Ricardo claimed the last ticket when clear in 35.68.