The latest qualifier in the Grassroots Jump Training Series was held at Emerald Equestrian last Saturday, 19th September, with riders taking part in three classes across the RC70/80, RC90 and RC100/110 levels.
The qualifier was hosted by the West Leinster Region, with Shane Brooks taking on the role of course builder. Ruth Robinson was the accredited assessor on the day.
The prizes for the qualifier were kindly sponsored by Premier Performance, who continue to support the Grassroots Jump Training Series.
The Grassroots Jump Training Series is designed to give riders the opportunity to develop their jumping skills while receiving valuable feedback as part of the competition experience.
RC70 / RC80 Jump Training
The RC70/80 class saw a strong field of riders, with Joan Brady riding Bobby Dazzler II taking first place on a score of 144. In the event of equality of marks, the time decides the placings, with optimum time applying in the RC70/80 class. Where riders remain equal, Way of Going is considered next, followed by Position and Style, and then Turnout and Impressions.
Karen Ferris and Beachball Sally also scored 144 to finish second, while Derry Walker and If Ever A Rogue took third place on 144.
The top two riders qualifying for the final are:
- Joan Brady – Bobby Dazzler II
- Karen Ferris – Beachball Sally
RC90 Jump Training
In the RC90 class, Lynne Broderick and Cnocban Blaze produced the highest score of the class, finishing on 147 to take first place.
Sophie De Jong and Kilcogy Knight finished second on 146, with Louise O’Grady and Mirah Max taking third on 144.
The qualifiers for the final are:
- Lynne Broderick – Cnocban Blaze
- Sophie De Jong – Kilcogy Knight
RC100 / RC110 Jump Training
The RC100/110 class was won by Jack Martin and Concordes Cruise Queen, who finished on an impressive score of 148.
Edel Whyte and Sleehaun Showtime took second place on 146, while Vivienne Murtagh and RSH Nuts N Bolts finished third on 144.
The qualifiers for the final are:
- Jack Martin – Concordes Cruise Queen
- Edel Whyte – Sleehaun Showtime
Marlton Qualifier
Unfortunately, the planned qualifier at Marlton had to be postponed due to a lack of entries. However, there are hopes that the qualifier can be rescheduled for October, giving riders another opportunity to take part in the series.
Final at Emerald Equestrian
The top two from each class will now progress to the Grassroots Jump Training Series Final, which will be held at Emerald Equestrian on 7th of November 2026.
The final will be assessed by Gerald Bloomer, giving the successful qualifiers another opportunity to put their training into practice and compete for series honours.
Congratulations to all those who took part, and best of luck to the six qualifiers heading forward to the final!
You can find information and Qualified Riders & Horses at this link: https://airc.ie/grassrootsseries/
