CROWNED ‘AA’ National Amateur Champion at Duffy’s Equestrian Centre in Co Galway, Limerick’s Aideen Kirby added another title to her belt last Saturday night at the Dublin Horse Show when she claimed the coveted Amateur Championship aboard her own home-bred Derg Masterpiece.

A 13-year-old mare by Lancelot out of the Clover Hill-sired Show Piece, the mare has been ridden by Kirby through the ranks with much success.

Delighted with the win, Kirby said: “To say I’m over the moon with the win is an understatement! I am so proud to still be competing in amateurs after all these years - but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be National Champion and RDS champion in the same year. I am so lucky to have a horse like Lottie (Derg Masterpiece). We have a great bond and trust each other - sometimes I feel like she knows what I’m thinking! She adores the RDS and revels in the special atmosphere.

“I thought the course was beautifully built - fair but challenging. Going against the clock I knew there weren’t any clears before me, so I was more cautious and let her natural speed make up the time. It’s a real team effort - the support from family and friends is so important,” added Kirby.

As always, this is one of the most hard-fought championships with 12 combinations battling it out. Out of those 12, there were three ‘A’ category riders who jumped over a slightly lower course. The first clear was delivered by the second to go, Leonie Dunne and Cavalino 26, and a further seven joined her in the jump-off.

Tight turn

First to go against the clock, Dunne set off strong with the big striding Cavalino 26, but a tight turn to the double saw her fault at the second part and crossed the line with four faults in 40.93 for eventual fourth.

Next up was fellow ‘A’ rider, Lorraine MacGuinness with Horseware Kinmar Night. Like Dunne, she set out with a win in mind but four faults at the Horseware vertical saw and coming home in 43.32 meant she had to settle for sixth place on this occasion.

The first of the ‘AA’ riders to take it on was Lisa Patterson and Little Miss Shutterfly. The combination negotiated a tight line to fence three, but four faults at the first part of the double and crossing the line in 42.92 saw her take fifth place.

Next up, Michael Floody also fell victim to the double with his own Indella, but a slower time of 45.92 kept him out of the top six.

With no double clears being delivered at this point, all eyes were on Aideen Kirby as she took it on with Derg Masterpiece. There were anxious moments as they rattled fence two, but a calm approach to the remainder of the course saw them deliver the first double clear in 45.47.

Speed merchant against the clock, Martin Flesk let the handbrake off aboard Killuppaun Magic but four faults at the oxer in five in a time of 39.84 saw him finish fastest of the four-faulters and into third place.

Gemma Drennan saw her hopes of a win dashed when she also faulted at fence five aboard Cool Finesse in a time of 46.42 for eighth place.

Last to go, Catriona Cody opted for the safer approach with Shanroe Socialite and it paid off as she came home clear in 51.61 to take the reserve title.