The 34 horses were produced and turned out beautifully, ready and able to take on the challenge the McCusker family set for them.

The four olds started the day followed by the five year olds running through their dressage test under the highly tuned eye of Angeline Nicholson who assessed their athleticism and trainability in the dressage arena.

They moved on to the Conformation phase where Catherine Abbot used her skills and critical judgement to give marks for their type, feet, limbs, movement and training in hand.

The final test was the jumping phase, which was judged by Tom Doherty.  His guide lines were to assess their canter, jumping technique, application to the task, athleticism, balance and finally their gallop.

Each judge gave a ‘suitability and potential’ mark, the scores were then collated by Ivor Mitchell and the successful five in each competition to qualify came out as follows.

Four Olds to Qualify were -

1^st Malcolm AX, sire -Vectra, dam sire -Touchdown, owned by Fiona Wilson and ridden by Jonny Mulligan

2^nd Bonmahon Flash, sire Bonmahon Master Blue, dam sire Ashley Park, owned by Camella McDowell, ridden by Colin Hallidy. (qualified previously at Ravensdale)

3^rd Frenchfort Inspector, sire – Tinarannas Inspector, dam Frenchfort Aldato Lady ridden by Beverley Caves.

4^th Georgio Raco, sire Shannondale Sarco, dam sire – Moot Point, owned and ridden by Emma Jackson.

5^th Wendy Woo, sire – Clover Echo, dam sire Maximum Clearance owned by Brian Clinghan and ridden by Jonny Mulligan.

6^th Harison,  sire – Harlequin du Carel, dams sire – Easy Lift owned by Hugh McCusker, ridden by Colin Hallidy.

Five Year Olds to qualify were –

1^st Hill Patrol, sire -  Spirit House, dam sire Son of Charm, owned by Gina Johnson, ridden by Steven Smith.

2^nd Tullybroom Eddie, sire Clerkenwell, dam sire Clover Hill owned by Janet Hall and ridden by Steven Smith.

3^rd Killadeas, sire -  Hermes De Reve, dam – ISHD Convoy ridden by Beverley Caves.

4^th Shanroe Shadowfax sire – Cavalier Land, dam sire – Curising Ambassador ridden by Catherine Robinson

5^th  Derryinver Girl – sire  Contador, dam sire Ard Balck Cat owned by Smith Bros.  ridden by Steven Smith

The next qualifier is in Wexford Equestrian Centre on Tuesday 28^th April and the last chance to qualify will be at Gransha Equestrian Centre, which will by, weather permitting on the grass on Thursday 30^th April.