A sunny Sunday afternoon at Mullingar Equestrian provided a brilliant backdrop for the final of the Irish Farmers Journal Amateur Show Jumping Championship.

Riders from all over the country who had qualified for this prestigious competition were keen to get their hands on the coveted title, with very generous prizes from long-standing sponsor the Irish Farmers Journal.

A strong course set by Tommy Gibbons saw 23 combinations get into the second round against the clock. The first rider to set a great target was Kerrie Anderson with her beautifully turned out horse Bernadette Lady K, who was clear in a time of 32.63 seconds.

Shortly after, a determined Peter Dargan entered the arena with his handsome bay, Ballivor Man.

Their tight turns and a daring run to the last paid off, stopping the clock at 30.28 seconds and they took the lead.

Niamh McFall had a super round to finish in second place on 30.98. Hanna McNiven used the scope of her beautiful mare Odetta to move into fifth. Experienced amateur rider Val Ward and his bay gelding Venture slotted into sixth place.

Last into the arena was Laura Walsh on her striking grey gelding Ballinaguilkey Heritage. Recently placed second at the RDS, Laura produced a lovely clear just fractionally slower in a time of 31.02. Peter Dargan was crowned the popular winner having also won the competition in 2020.