AMATEUR show jumping hopefuls travelled to the penultimate round of the Dublin Horse Show qualifiers last Saturday at Kernans Equestrian. As in the last two rounds, there was a large entry and competition went down to the wire for one of the eight places on offer in this round.

In total, 121 went to post and from those, 22 booked their place in the third round.

Claiming the first ticket was AA category rider Colm Fitzpatrick aboard Maretto Flight, when they came home with a clean sheet in a time of 31.44. Fitzpatrick is no stranger to success in the amateur arena, with a host of good results. Last year, the pair won the SJI Cavan Autumn Series final and qualified for both Balmoral and Dublin.

Maretto Flight is owned by Johnnie Fitzpatrick and was bred by Marie Moloney in Warrington Top Flight Equestrian. The Fitzpatrick family has owned the 11-year-old mare from a six-year-old. She is well-related, by Amaretto Darco out of the Golden River mare Miss Flight.

It was a worthwhile journey from Tipperary for AA rider Caroline Ryan, as she took the runner-up place with the Michael Murphy-owned Marlow ELJ when clear in 32.72.

Young rider Megan Nelson (A) and Fancy Trend were less than a second behind in a time of 33.28 for third place. This pair qualified last year for the Dublin Horse Show, but failed to make the final championship and will be hoping to go one better this time around.

Little divided the next placing, as Danielle Logan (A) answered all the questions aboard Demero in a time of 33.59 for eventual fourth place. This combination is no stranger to this pressure, having won the Balmoral Amateur Championship in 2023.

Also familiar with the Dublin Horse Show, Gemma Drennan booked her place with her own Cool Finesse when clear in 34.96. This combination proved out of luck at the last two qualifiers, with a pole down in each of the final rounds.

Joseph Moore (A) and Master De Reve slotted into sixth with a clear in 35.19. Murphy was chased home by Cork rider Lisa Hitchmough (AA) and her own Manija, when they kept all the poles in place in a time of 35.78.

Donegal rider Egle Zakaraite [A] and Talbot Siss took eighth place when they galloped across the line in a time of 37.36.