The RUAS qualifier held this morning at Portmore Equestrian Centre featured some hot competition.  The excessive rainfall the night before didn’t feature as a problem or deter competitors as 76 combinations jumped on superb footing for the 7 qualifying places for balmoral.  Only 28 riders steered clear over the Rafael Suarez designed course and with no particular fence causing problems, riders simply had to answer the multiple questions put to them.  

The second round presented tempting turns, long distances for any galloping opportunists and related distances in between.  Only 12 combinations managed double clear rounds and leading them home was Nichola Hall on Lady Killer almost 2 seconds clear in a time of 35.83 seconds.  Their first amateur competition stepping up to double AA status was therefore well rewarded.  The bluegrass oxer having caused little concern in the first round, put the cat amongst the pigeons during the speed round as it presented an attractive turn to cut time.  

One combination making the most of that turn is no stranger to Balmoral, Sarah Kinnear and her faithful Elf Queen made up valuable time galloping from the double and turning back to get three strides from the corner to make light work of this oxer.  Pauline McKeown and her striking chestnut Quick Quality rode a notably professional round to the finish, crossing the line just before a difference of opinion with her mount, however picking up a well-deserved qualifying third place.  Fourth fastest clear this morning was a familiar face and keen supporter of the Ulster Amateur Cup each year, Jim Maneely with his new mount Fernhill Special K.  The duo took a turn not attempted by anyone else remaining composed to cross the line in a careful but speedy clear.  

Martin Flesk and his horse Killuppaun Magic travelled from Galway to compete in the qualifier and thankfully their journey was worth it as he finished just four hundredths of a second behind Jim Maneely.  Taryn McClurkin and Innocense will be returning to Balmoral for their third year in a row which is impressive in itself!  Karen Lynch and LCC Caseys Cruise picked up the final qualifying spot and will be making their Debut on Balmoral Ground in May.  Reserve spot goes to the ever consistent Coppindell Concorde and Joe Harris who made the most of all available turns and having competed at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Show for the past four years, will no doubt be lining up in the coming weeks to ensure a fifth consecutive qualification.  

With the Ulster Amateur Cup off to such a strong start, competitors are reminded that next week it will continue with the second Balmoral Qualifier at Kernans Equestrian Centre on 23rd March!