THE Midlands Region held its RC70/RC80 team show jumping qualifier at Emerald Equestrian last Saturday and here chairperson Ann Bloomer reveals how Lakelands will be the MR representatives at next weekend’s AIRC Festival in Mullingar.

“A great day was had by riders and spectators alike at Emerald. It was a nail-biting competition, which kept us all on tenterhooks right down to the last horse going through the finish in the second round. A pole on the ground and a time fault apiece meant we had a jump-off between Lakelands and Mosstown.

“All four 80cm riders who competed in the jump-off rode foot-perfect rounds looking for the optimum time. Lakelands came out victorious, with Mosstown in the runners-up position. Congratulations to Lakelands, who now represent the Midlands at the Festival, where we will all be cheering you on.

“Congratulations to all teams who competed and many thanks to our course builder Wayne (Allen), Wilson Porter and Liam Murphy for judging, May Gilsenan for providing medical cover, Jack (Sheehy) and Emerald Equestrian for hosting our event and, of course, all our volunteers on the day.” For the record, Mullingar 1 finished third, Meath were fourth and Mullingar 2 placed fifth.

This was the last of eight qualifiers for the inaugural 70cm/80cm team show jumping championship final, which is scheduled to start at 3pm in the International Grass Arena at the Mullingar Equestrian Centre next Saturday, June 8th, day one of the 2024 AIRC Festival.