Emer Bermingham

IF the standard of the RDS amateur qualifiers are an accurate indication of the action we will enjoy at Dublin Horse Show, this class is set to be one of the most competitive at the RDS.

In the past, a safe clear at the qualifiers was almost sure to book a ticket, but this year, the standard was considerably raised and even a triple clear was not enough to secure a place. Last year’s winners, Daniel O’Shea and Kinmar Night, delivered a triple clear in Ennis but were just outside the qualifying placings.

In the first qualifier at Warrington, close to 200 combinations went to post and in the end it was Paul Carroll and Castleroche La Roche who took the honours in that round. Disappointedly, Castleroche La Roche suffered a small injury not long afterwards which ruled him out of the RDS for 2018.

Cork rider Lisa Hitchmough and Shanroe Splendour will be making their return to the Dublin Horse Show and she will be looking to improve on her performance last year.

Sara Gorman and Take a Gamble are also ones to watch with a series of consistent results over the course of the year.

Since qualifying at Warrington, Marie Hartley and Scarthill Vendi have certainly been on form and will no doubt be ready for the challenge at Ballsbridge.

A seasoned RDS competitor, Sheikh Samir Mirdad booked his place to the Dublin Horse Show when he won the second round of qualifiers at Ravensdale with Mirdads Maaa Shaaa Allah. The pair have been in great form of late, finishing fourth in the Botanica Championships at Balmoral.

Adrian Gilmartin and Carnaval Cocktail finished third in Ennis. Gilmartin is no stranger to the RDS and qualified last year with Carnaval Cocktail.

Champion in 2015 with Valenthina, Sarah Kate O’Donovan and her new mount Doberlina G will no doubt put in a good performance. Runner-up in the Dublin Horse Show Championship last year, Katie Frazer will be looking to improve on this performance having qualified Keylogues Clover Lady.

Runner-up in the RDS in 2015, Co Laois rider Gillian Blanche and Bellegrove Prima Donna also booked her place, while Roisin Donnelly and Seaforde Rebel will be competing for the first time in Dublin.

Although new to the RDS, Orla Dixon and Try Me will also be in with a shot. They have plenty of experience having clocked up a series of results in the young rider arena. Nicola Hall and Lady Killer are new to the RDS as well but have all the requirements necessary for a solid performance. The combination finished second in the Botanica Amateur Championships at Balmoral.