The South Leinster Region of the AIRC held their leg of the Premier Equestrian sponsored RDS Team Showjumping Qualifier on 3 May in Boswell. David Byrne designed a fair and flowing track which, nevertheless, took its toll in the first round, where nerves seemed to play a big part and only 6 clear rounds were produced from the 23 competitors who took part. There was no particular ‘bogey’ fence and penalties were well scattered over the whole course. At the end of this round, Greenvalley were in pole position with just 1 time penalty, followed by Carrickmines Navy (4 faults) and Hollybrook in 3rd position with a total of 12. The Hollybrook team produced three clears in the 2nd round, but it was not sufficient to catch either Greenvalley, who came home with 5 penalties in that round and a total of 6 to claim the RDS slot. Carrickmines Navy had one pole on the ground and finished on 4 and a grand total of 8 to take the runner up place and will go on to the Riding Club Festival to have another shot at qualifying for the RDS in the Wild Card Qualifier. Only 3 riders completed the day with double clears – two from Carrickmines (Paddy Fitzpatrick – Alexander Quay, and Abigail Cocking – Creevagh Bliss) and Hollybrook’s Rebecca Minch (Calliaghstown Flight). South Leinster will, therefore, be represented at Dublin by Greenvalley’s Chloe Daly (Captain – Look for Nala), Peggy McMullin (Ballinteskin Rebel), Patti Byrne (Olympic Sky) and Marie O’Farrell (Mi Pace).
Written by: Hilary MacHugh
Photo Credit: Tony Walker
