THE third qualifier for the Tattersalls Ireland Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series took place at Mullingar Showing Show of the Year last weekend.

In what was the biggest entry in the series to date, 38 horses were entered across the two divisions and judges, Harry Scanlon and Megan Connell, had their work cut out to decide on a result.

Both judges commented on not only the quantity of horses, but the quality of thoroughbreds that were lined up in front of them. The line-up was a credit to everyone involved in the transitioning of thoroughbreds from racing into their second careers.

In the Novice Section, it was first-timer Lark Rise and Melanie Love, who stood top of the line up at the end of the class. The five-year-old gelding by Tagula, owned by Dermot McIllveen, made the switch to the show ring after Dermot decided the racetrack was not for him.

Finishing second was Terry Whyte with Ita Kiernan’s home-bred, Shaffrey’s Hill. The seven-year-old by Eliot ran on the point-to-point track until last spring.

The Open section was equally competitive, with 16 combinations coming forward for the judges. It was the Westerner mare Hollymount Dream and Aileen Dwyer, who took the top prize and earned their ticket to the final in September. This combination is fresh from a win at the AIRC Festival, where they were Champion Riding Horse, as well as winning the Thoroughbred showing class.

Continuing on from their win at Raheendaw Horse and Pony Show, Alannah Tobin and Lansing took the runner-up spot this week in the open section. The pair have had a fruitful spring, with two wins at the Limerick/Clare IPS Fundraiser Show, as well as being crowned Amateur Champion. The next leg of the series takes place at the Enniskillen Horse and Pony Show tomorrow, Sunday, June 23rd. Full details of the series can be found on www.treoeile.com.