UNFORTUNATELY riders had to endure more rain at the penultimate qualifier of the Tattersalls Ireland Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series qualifier at the Randox Antrim Show last Saturday.

The journey from Meath was worthwhile for Sharon Carolan and the 10-year-old Lawman gelding Masterson, who stood top of the line in the Novice Racehorse to Riding Horse class. The seven-time winner on the track went on to be placed second in a working hunter class later in the day for her husband Nigel. Masterson epitomises the versatility of the thoroughbred, as his regular jockey is their 12-year-old daughter Emma Jo who will get him back for Pony Club activities, now that he has qualified for the final in September.

Caitriona Bolger also travelled from Meath, to take second place with the point-to-point winner Feel My Pulse. New recruits to the showing scene, Caitriona looked after the Stowaway gelding when in training with Gordon Elliott, now has her ticket to the final.

The yellow ribbon went to local horse World Title and Laura Gordon, with Jane Bruce and Minnie Minx fourth.

Every cloud has a silver lining is a saying that encapsulated Illbebach and Jennifer Fitzpatrick winning the Open section. Unable to take up her qualifier entry at the Tattersalls Show earlier in the week, Jennifer lined up a mini-stay in Antrim to attend the show. New to showing, this is the first win for the partnership who have been together since last August.

Second place went to Doagh resident Allison Matthews and the ever reliable Tadhg. Standing second to General Principle at the Dublin Horse Show last year, he now joins Illbebach at the final of the series at the Royal Meath Show on September 3rd.

Balella to Milan and Julie Donaghy Simpson took the yellow ribbon.