Western Region RDS Qualifier

Anna Burke - Rookery Blue, Edwina Ruane - Tullavilla Too, Vanessa Mc Donald - Vanessas Pride and Kean O Hara - Ted of Annaghmore in the Monica Flanagan photographer curtusy of monicaflanagan.com

Benbulben RC hosted the Western Regional Qualifier for The Horseware Ireland Association of Irish Riding Clubs Team Show Jumping Championship in Tubberbride Stables, Collooney on Sunday May 26th.

It was a hotly contested event with 24 teams representing 13 clubs in the region taking part. Richard Kerins blt a lovely inviting yet challenging course which seen 7 teams finish the first round on a zero score. 

The order of jumping was changed for the second round, with the teams having the most faults in round 1 jumping first in round 2 to ensure a nail biting finish. The 2nd round resulted in all teams finishing with faults, but Donegal Gaeltacht Team 2, Benbulben Team 2 & West Coast all finished on a total of just 4 faults resulting in a Jump-off to see who would clinch the coveted spot at the RDS in August!

First to go in the jump-off was Patricia Warren on He’s a Dandy for Donegal Gaeltacht who flew around the shortened track for a lovely clear round which put the pressure on the 2 remaining riders. Next in to take up the challenge was Benbulben's Vanessa McDonald on Vanessas Pride and a beautiful round from her seen her take the lead. The 3rd rider in was West Coast RC's Charles Hanley who had a cracking round but unfortunately 2 poles on the floor seen his team finish 3rd, with Benbulben Team 2 taking the winners spot and Donegal Gaeltacht Team 2 in 2nd earning them a spot in the Wildcard Qualifier at the Riding Club Festival in Stradbally on June 9th 

The following are the results of yesterdays team show jumping qualifier:

Winners: Benbulben 2

Vanessa Mc Donald - Vanessas Pride

Kean O Hara - Ted of Annaghmore

Edwina Ruane - Tullavilla Too

Anna Burke - Rookery Blue

Second: Donegal Gaeltacht 2

Trish Warren - He's a Dandy

Laura Schneider - Chloe Lass

Packie Ferry - Clonmany Girl

Carmel Ferry - Pepe Lad

Third: West Coast

Charles Hanley - Grallagh Boy

Margaret Kelly - Andsbro

Susan Mallon - Code Red D'arcy

Derek Ryan - Diamonds Way

Fourth: Donegal Gaeltacht 1 

Trish Warren - Colourado Kid

John McDaid - Ray Lady

Ruth McCrossan - Sioux Indian

Rosaleen Harkin - Santa Cruz Lady

Fifth: Benbulben 6

John McDermott - Kyleen Ricardo

Vanessa McDonald - Nisqually de May

Rebekah Tansey  - Brighten up your day

Elaine Wilson - Logic Point

Sixth: Benbulben 1

Deirdre McDonald - Nisqually de May

Fiona Tansey - Cloon Silver Cloud

Joanna Kearns - West Coast Dreamer

Anna Burke - Rookery Sparkle

The top three teams ended on four faults, jump off went as follows:

Patricia Warren - clear 37.97

Vanessa McDonald - clear 37.25

Charles Hanley - 8 faults 38.12