The south east qualifier for the Horseware team show jumping championships at the RDS took place at Ballinamona Equestrian Centre last Sunday in glorious sunshine. Twenty-one teams of four from all over the region took part and with only one place available, the competition was intense.

Noel Phelan’s course was strong but inviting and asked just enough questions. Clear rounds were possible but not too plentiful with only 17 riders getting double clears.

One interesting contender was former racehorse On the Motorway ridden by Waterford team member Nicki Russell. The son of Royal Anthem ran six times in Dundalk in 2015 but in the last few months has started a new career, demonstrating how these horses can be given a new lease of life with the correct training.

At the midway point, three teams were on a zero score - Three Rocks, Coolbell Blue and Carne White.

Jump-off

When all riders had completed their second rounds, two teams only remained on zero points. A pole on the ground kept Three Rocks out of the jump-off leaving Wexford team Carne White and Dungarvan team Coolbell to fight it out. Both clubs had reached the final in Dublin in recent years so they knew what was at stake. Gina O’Brien from Coolbell was first to take on the course on her chesnut mare Parkmore Boher Belle. Ann Lambert from Carne on the grey stallion Killinick Bouncer (son of the legendary Grange Bouncer) waited in the wings.

O’Brien went for the time and unfortunately left two on the ground for eight faults. It seemed as if all Ann Lambert had to do was go for a clear round.

This she did and her horse jumped a flawless round, leaving all the poles intact to the delight of her Carne supporters. It seemed like they were on their way to Dublin and Coolbell would have to fight another day.

Then came the official announcement that the Carne rider had 8 time penalties. The tables turned and in 8 ticks of the clock it transpired that Coolbell were the ones going to Dublin.

Coolbell will be in the RDS (July 20th-24th) representing the sunny south east. The Carne team will take part in the wildcard competition at the AIRC Festival in Stradbally in June and have another possibility of joining Coolbell at the RDS.