Hillcrest Riding Club will progress to the final of the Horseware Team Show Jumping championship after they won the West Midlands qualifier last Sunday after a three-way jump-off.

17 teams representing 9 clubs contested the qualifier at Tipperary Equestrian Centre where just four teams ended the opening round with nothing to add. They included teams from Clonlara, Clonshire, Hillcrest and the hosts, Mill Road while five teams were just adrift on 4 penalties.

The leading pack was reduced to three teams after the second round as Clonlara drifted out of the placings to leave a three-way jump-off.

Mill Roads Megan Sheedy was first to go over the reduced track and returned in a fast time of 58.76 but had one pole down on board Featherbed Lass. Clonshires Marie Crosse was next in on St Helene but could not improve on Sheedy’s target as Crosse returned with two poles on the floor.

Last to jump, Amy Walsh opted for a steady clear on Keylogues Gold which the Hillcrest rider duly delivered to secure a place at the final for the Limerick-based club. The other team members included Ruth Walsh (Kingston Knight), Dermot O’ Donovan (Ballyrussell Brigade) and Katie Fraser (Keylogues Red Clover).

The runners up, Mill Road Riding Club, will contest next months wildcard qualifier at the Riding Clubs Festival.

[table “12” not found /]