THE pressure was on amateur riders, as they competed in the second round of Dublin Horse Show qualifiers last Saturday in Killossery in County Dublin.

Sponsored by Horse First, a total of 144 combinations battled it out over three rounds. Taking the first ticket was A category rider, Val Ward and Venture, when they were fastest of 13 triple clears in 27.82 seconds. This very experienced 22-year-old gelding, which was bred by Terry Reilly, is by Aran and is out of Miss Rathcline. Last year, this combination won the Welcome Stakes and the Power and Speed in Cavan Amateur Two-Day Championships.

Fellow (A) rider, Ashley O’Sullivan and Dowdstown Quality took second place, when they were hot on the winner’s heels, delivering a clear in 27.99

Hannah Houlihan [AA] also remained within the 30-second mark with Fantastic C, stopping the clock in 28.88 for third place.

Rebecca Browne [AA] put in a gallant attempt with Diamonds And Rust, and her clear in 29.04 saw them take fourth place.

Karen Boylan [A] wasted no time with Pinegro Aro, and it paid off, as she came home in a fast time of 29.11 for fifth place.

Sixth place belonged to Gwyn Yemm [AA] and Donnini Z, when they galloped home in 29.75.

Little separated the next placing, as Sarah Connolly [AA] and MP Cosmina crossed the line in 30.10 for seventh.

Amy McLaughlin [A] and Rhonda took eighth place in this line-up, when they came home in 30.22.

Please note, these results are based on SJI Live, all results will be verified by Showjumping Ireland prior to the Dublin Horse Show.