North Cork Riding Club won the RDS qualifier for the first time in its 15-year history at the AIRC South West Region after a two-way jump-off.

Eight teams from the region lined out for the qualifier at Sceilig Equestrian in Watergrasshill, Co. Cork where the conditions were perfect for Wayne Santry’s course.

Four teams were level after the opening round including Earl’s Well, North Cork, Highland Lodge and the hosts, Lismore but this was reduced further after the second round when Earl’s Well and North Cork were level on zero penalties, forcing a two-way jump-off.

Barbara Maher was first to go on Ballygriffin Lester Man but the Earl’s Well rider returned with 12 penalties on the scoreboard.  This left John O’Flynn with some breathing space on Hellenaboy who duly delivered with a clear for the North Cork club to secure the win.

The winning team consisted of Rosemary O’Connor (Bolgerstown Contador Sky), Marie Sheehan (Bo Peep), Sarah Fitzgerald (Ballyedmond Star), and John O’Flynn (Hellaboy).

The Earl’s Well team of Sadhbh Kelleher (Coolrock Power Break), Kate O’Driscoll (Biddy Lou),  Fiona Fitton (IFES Limited Edition), Barbara Maher (Ballygriffin Lester Man) had to settle for the blue ribbons.

Highland Lodge teams took third, fourth and sixth place while the hosts, and last years winners, Lismore had to settle for fifth place.

The highest-placed eligible team will receive an invitation to compete at the final in August while the second-highest eligible team will go forward to contest the wild card qualifier at next month’s AIRC Riding Clubs Festival.

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