Irelands Emma O Dwyer was in cracking form at this years 148cms Ingliston premier show, taking top spot in the first of the John Whitaker JA Classic qualifiers with Kalim De Montlieu.

Run over three days, the venue attracted some of the countries top ponies all vying for their place at this year’s British Open Final, but it was regular visitor Emma and fellow countryman Tom Foley who kept the remainder off the top two spots.

Although National BSJA rules prevent the two from occupying the qualifying places, Emma who is hoping to be a team member for Ireland at this year’s European Pony Championships at Bishop Burton in Yorkshire.

Based frequently in Ayrshire with George Babes, Co Clare rider Tom Foley had his work cut out with a number of rides over the three days. It was his own Dibidoe however, winner of the Irish 148cms premier league series in 2009, who came up trumps over Rafael Suarez’s testing 1.45m final round.

Welsh rider Laura Pritchard managed to put the disappointment of a recent run of four faults behind her, to deliver a first class performance that saw her deservedly occupy a qualifying place ahead of the only other qualifier in the class – Jessica Crosbie with Fabiano.

A change of career for Dalestown Cavalier from eventing to showjumping has paid dividends for Leeds-based Lucy Wilson who ensured she was a finalist at this years Winter JC final at Hickstead in July. Although she admits a slight error in the second round nearly cost her dearly, her determined effort in the final jump off with the Cavalier son was sufficient to take a full second off the time set by Lancashire based Lara Whiteway with Top Viorello.

Sunday’s JA qualifier saw the already qualified Tim Wilks with Colour Of Money take top honours, and now planning a fortnights break ahead of the Towerlands qualifier.

Emily Roe may have had her work cut out with Aroldo on day one, but the determined 12-year-old who is still riding 138cms ponies, soon regained control ensuring she took an all important qualifying place when it mattered. Having missed out by one place at the previous qualifier, Emily who’s sister Rebecca rode the striking grey to European gold in 2008 was delighted to have the chance of competing at this years British Open.

In a class that produced only six first round clears from 36 starters, Scotland’s Charlotte Geddes gave an impressive account with Sheridans Archangel and although finishing with two fences on the ground, some positive riding over the challenging 12-fence course has according to dad John given her an increased confidence for the months ahead.

Essex-based Charlotte Jose had double cause for celebration when she slipped into a qualifying place in the JA Classic with Cappagh Supreme, and then convincingly stormed to victory in the second of the Winter JC qualifiers with Edenside Blue Eyes. Originally from Scotland and bought by Alan Fazakerley from Raymond Gatherum, the 10-year-old mare was second in last years pony newcomers final at Horse of the Year Show.

Cheshire rider Lauren Edwards, a regular raider on the Scottish pony circuit, was in her usual winning form over the three days, and as well as taking the Blue Chip JC/JA Sparkle with Amanda Hilliards Floating Change, she also notched up her place in the Winter JC with the only other treble clear on board Moy Chunky Monkey.

LEADINGawards:

1.10m open – 1, Trefilan Talisman, T Foley; 2, Bradley Brown, J Robertson; 3, Drumcaghy Ringo, E Roe. 1.20m open – 1, Fabiano 31, J Crosby; 2, Brolotens Arpege, S Hopkinson; 3, Cevin II, S Hopkinson. Warm up handicap JC/JC – 1, Rumworth Taylors Twilight, C Duggan; 2, Moy Chunky Monkey, L Edwards; 3, Tireve Midnight Express, J Cain. John Whitaker international winter JA classic –1, Kalim de Montlieu, E O’dwyer; 2, Dibidoe, T Foley; 3, The Colour of Money, T Wilks. Winter JC championship - 2nd round – 1, Dalestown Cavalier, L Wilson; 2, Top Viorello, L Whiteway; 3, Bonds Glen, C Thompson. 148cms special – 1, Razorlite II, J Mendoza; 2, Cinderella Girl, B Vernon; 3, Derravaragh Gambler, T Foley. Pony coral / foxhunter – 1, Miss A Dot, D Davis; 2, Boyne Ashanti, K McCarthy; 3, Liscannor Lad, J Merrick. Blue Chip Pro sparkle – 1, Floating ChangE, L Edwards; 2, Farouk van de Schanshoeve, M Allen; 3, Cinderella Girl, B Vernon. Warm up handicap JC/JA – 1, Floating Change; 2, Miss Juno, S Boyd; 3, Moy Chunky Monkey, L Edwards. Winter JC championship - 2nd round – 1, Edenside Blue Eyes, C Jose; 2, Moy Chunky Monkey; 3, Killgillys Miracle, C Harkin. John Whitaker international winter JA classic – 1, The Colour of Money; 2, Aroldo, E Roe; 3, Cappagh Supreme, C Jose. Pony adventurer / foxhunter – 1, Forever Crystal II, J Cain; 2, Treasa’s Girl, Amy Hill; 3, Boyne Ashanti, K McCarthy. 148cms restricted open – 1, Crown Jewel, T Foley; 2, Floating Change; 3, Tireve Midnight Express.