THE high standard of Irish young riders competing on the Irish equestrian circuit is patently clear to see as young riders continue to clock up wins at high senior level. If this standard is anything to go by, the competition in the RDS next week will be something to look forward to. For those riders that have secured a place at what were very competitive qualifiers, all have an equal chance of taking home a coveted RDS title.

At the opening qualifier in The Meadows in the 1.25/1.30m division, Katie McEntee and Hip Girl claimed victory. McEntee is no stranger to this pressure having also competed on the senior circuit. Out of the 77 starters, six triple clears were delivered. Victoria Thompson and Armani Velvet put in a very calculated round to take third place, as did Morgan Carty and King Of Troy. This careful riding will no doubt stand to them in Simmonscourt next week.

In the second round in the 1.25/1.30m, 78 combinations were looking to book their RDS place. Following a successful trip to Sentower prior to the qualifier, Orla Queally demonstrated her talent in this division as she led the victory lap with Nour Alain. This combination is certainly up for the challenge having been placed in the Gain Equine Nutrition/Alltech National Grand Prix at Tattersalls. Annie Boland is also a very strong contender and she took the runner-up spot with The Hurricane as did Ella Clancy and Corraghoe Steel.

A familiar face in the RDS, Wexford’s Taylor Peare and Lissyegan Geoffrey booked their place when finishing fourth. Last year, this talented young rider’s round suffered a distraction from persistent seagulls in the main arena flying at the horse’s eye level, and she will no doubt be hoping to settle the score with an improved performance next week.

Following a great trip to the Europeans, Mullingar’s Alanna Fagan will also be looking to take a title and she will be one to watch after she booked her place with Bella M. A hot favourite in this division has to be Limerick’s Robyn Moran who claimed victory with Coolminga Inspector Royal at the Cavan qualifiers.

Ciara Fives put in a great performance to take the runner-up spot in what was a very competitive round. Two riders who won’t be fazed by the pressure of the RDS are Chloe Hughes Kennedy who secured her place with Imandouw and Stephen Gibbons who will be taking Clooncalagy Beauty. Seamus Hennessy will also have his eye on the ball as he secured a place with Ballynoe Clinton Jack, as will Ryan Sweetnam and Gymola. A past winner in the RDS, Jodie Creighton will be out for another title with Gortacar Suspicious Minds 0005.

Taylor Peare and Pat Peare's Lissyegan Geoffrey in action at Wexford Equestrian Centre / Justin Black Millstreet Horse Photography

Ultra competitive

The opening qualifier in the 1.35/1.40m at The Meadows saw only two triple clears delivered and taking the first ticket following a very exciting class was Joshua Halford and Herle. Cora Sharkey, no stranger to the RDS, opted for a more cautious approach with the eight-year-old Lisboy Mermus and it paid off as she took the runner-up slot. A previous winner at the RDS, Marta Hughes Bravo booked her place here with HHS Figero as did Tom Keville and Chimay.

In Barnadown, Clare’s Rhys Williams took the golden ticket in the second qualifier when he lodged a triple clear Conthanja PS in a blistering time of 35.26 seconds. Lusk’s Aisling McGuinness and Kilderrys Joint Venture clocked up many results on the European circuit and will be ones to watch in this division.

In the round at Cavan, some very familiar faces featured and all four will be giving it their all in Dublin. Sharing the win was Katie Nallon (Javas True Colours) and Emily Moloney (Temple Alice). Eve Donnelly booked her ticket in this round with Crystal Tom as did Trudie Hermione McCoosh and TMSH Lady Majella.

A great performance from Pataire Crawford saw her take the first ticket in the final round at Ard Chuain and she was chased home by Lee Carey and Luxity who placed in the penultimate round of the Coolmore/Showjumping Ireland Premier Series in Tattersalls.

Joshua Halford riding Herle, winners of the 1.35/1.40m Young Rider RDS Qualifier at The Meadows Equestrian Centre \ Tori O'Connor Photography

Down to the wire

In the 1.10/1.15m opening qualifier at The Meadows, it all came down to the wire with six combinations delivering triple clears. Some very strong combinations booked their place here such as Shauna Heslin (McCrosskeys) and Lucy Morton (Blueoak Legaland).

In the second round at Barnadown, Alana Ewing took the win with the seven-year-old Wrenwood Lucy Seventeen. Other riders putting in a very strong performance here were Tom Jolly (Churchtown Quality Breeze) and Emma Higgins (Bawnea Covers Sibon W).

At Cavan, it again was a very close class but in the end, Rose Dolan emerged victorious with Cornets Princess, followed closely behind by Nicole Gallagher and Paddy’s Diamond Ambassador. The final round at Ard Chuain saw a victory for Sarah Fitzgerarld and Admiran when they were fastest of just three triple clears.

Alanna Fagan (COH/JU) and Ballycarrick Lass, winners of 1.15m Children on Horses RDS Qualifier at Cavan Equestrian \ Laurence Dunne Jumpinaction.net

Children on Horses division

IN the Children on Horses division, four qualifying places were up for grabs in each round and as always, the competition went down to the wire.

In the opening qualifier, Conrad Sweeney demonstrated his talent as he took the first ticket with Ardragh Cordubh. It will be a busy week for the Moloneys in Dublin as Alice Moloney followed closely behind with Cosima to take the second ticket. Also booking their place after a very strong performance was Ruby Lilly Gaines (Winsome Z) and Claudia Carroll (Kabran De Reve Z).

At the second qualifier in Barnadown, just four triple clears were delivered - all by very seasoned riders. Claiming the first ticket was Harry Rush and Beach Buggy, ahead of Isobel Sheehan and Ahare Olympic Flemmencio. Third place belonged to Brid Ryan and Drombane Foxy Lady, while the last foot-perfect performance was delivered by Ciara Geaney and Inspector Roscoe.

Mullingar’s Alanna Fagan came out on top in the RDS qualifier at Cavan, taking the win with BallyCarrick Lass but she was chased home by the very talented Isobel Hourigan and ESI Carvalho. Another rider to keep an eye on in this division is Isabelle Duffy and Dohickie.

The pressure was on in the final qualifier at Ard Chuain and the first ticket was secured by Jackson Bronsan and Bitcoin. Rachel Scanlon secured her place with the experienced Paciro and will no doubt be up for the challenge as will Grace Maher Ryan (Lates Sparkey) and Robyn McOwan (MHS Cuffesgrange).