MOVED from the Main Arena, the Amateur Championship took centre stage in Simmonscourt on Saturday evening with 12 qualified combinations going head-to-head in a bid to take the coveted title. Although amateur riders enjoyed getting the opportunity to ride in the Main Arena after the Puissance, the competition was as intense in Simmonscourt and the atmosphere was electric.

As in previous years, it came down to the wire, with the top six combinations all coming home within the 32-second mark. Regarded as one of the most competitive divisions, nine booked their place against the clock and, of those, eight delivered double clears. The mix of riders was five A category riders and four AA category riders. Taking the win was AA rider Colm Fitzpatrick and Maretto Flight. The combination had booked their place on Friday, when they took fourth place in the first qualifier.

Fitzpatrick is no stranger to success in the amateur arena, with a host of good results. Last year, riding Maretto Flight, he won the SJI Autumn Series final in Cavan. They qualified for both Balmoral and the Dublin Horse Show last year, while this year they also qualified for the amateur championship in Balmoral. Before Balmoral, they finished runner-up in the Grand Prix in Jag Amateur Show. Last year, in an interview with ShowJumping Ireland, he said that his aim was to qualify for the Dublin Horse Show.

First to take on the challenge, Megan Nelson and Fancy Trend started off strongly and were fast from fence one to two. A nice turn back to the double and a good pace to the last, saw her set the target of clear in 30.39 and later take fourth place.

Next up, Ashley O’Sullivan also meant business, as she took it on with Dowdstown Quality. However, despite taking a tight line to the double, a clear in 31.31 failed to take Nelson off the top spot and would eventually have to settle for fifth place.

Danielle Logan and Demero unfortunately had problems at the first fence, which resulted in them being eliminated and took ninth place.

Next up, Amy McLaughlin and Rhonda answered all the questions in a time of 33.04, which would see them finish in seventh place in the line-up.

Last of the A riders to take it on was Leonie Dunne on Cavalino 26. Dunne negotiated a good turn back to fence three and, despite taking a stride out to the following oxer, crossing the line in 31.38 would see her take provisional third, and then eventual sixth place.

AA section

First to go in the AA section, Colm Fitzpatrick had his foot firmly to the floor with Maretto Flight. The pairing made up the time in the turn back to fence three and then on to four. He took the inside line to the double and galloped home, stopping the clock in 29.07 seconds.

Caroline Gaston and Miss Roman Kora took a similar route, but was just not as quick across the ground and came home in 30.28 for third place.

Sheikh Samir Mirdad and Mirdads Soooraaat Alrahmaaan faulted at the second fence and their time of 34.26 saw them take eighth place.

Winner of the earlier class in the day, Caitlin Duffy looked up for the challenge, as she took to the course with Jockeyhall Midas Touch, however, despite a series of good turns, a clear in 29.32 would see her take the reserve championship on this occasion.