The Simmonscourt arena in Dublin was buzzing with action on the opening day of the Kerrygold Horse Show yesterday, where the national showjumping classes got under way with a host of new talent.
Qualifiers for the hotly contested five-year-old championship included numerous winners from around the circuit and the first of those went to Damien McDermott riding Ronnie Hollinger's Creevagh Express.
In the main arena, the first of the qualifiers for the Canada Life championship for grade A horses saw nine go through to the jumpoff. First to go against the clock, Francis Connors set the pace with his own Emerald Rock to return clear in a time of 44.08 seconds. James Kernan was faster in 37.53, but a costly four faults put him out of the running.
Lieut David O'Brien on the Minister for Defence's River Boyne had a clear round in 37.67, good enough to guarantee him top slot.
Kevin Babington, making his first appearance in the RDS since moving to the United States 12 years ago, brought back the Irishbred Cruise Missile to slide into second place, while Brian Duff and Green Card took third.
Sponsored by Lady Moira Forbes, the four-year-old championship in Simmonscourt included some promising youngsters by the deceased Cavalier Royale and the recently retired Cruising.
Always a class of high standard, the first of the qualifiers went to Alo McEntee and his Furisto gelding, Toy Master, which scored an impressive 100 points.
An array of ponies was on hand for all three opening classes, where the first of the Ann Smurfit 128 cm grade A qualifiers went to Darragh Kenny and Magic Shadow, winners of the Kerrygold Pairs Relay with Jessica Kurten.
Dominic O'Halloran, who is enjoying his final year in ponies, rode Mr Vivo to take pole position in the 148 cm class. Mark McAuley rode his mother Sara's Just Honey to a thrilling victory in the 128 cm decider.