Cian O'Connor and Aramis 573 claimed the opening class at Dublin

THE Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show kicked off at the RDS on Wednesday, with the Connolly’s RED MILLS 7 & 8 year old International competition one of the opening day highlights.

The top 20 combinations from qualifiers held across Ireland have arrived at the RDS arena in Ballsbridge, where they have been joined by a further 20 International combinations as the quest to be crowned 2015 Connolly’s RED MILLS international champion continues.

A top class line-up includes Flying Frenchman Rodger Yves Bost, Olympic champion Steve Guerdat and Olympic team gold medal winner Ben Maher, while the Irish entries for the 7 & 8 year-old competition include Denis Lynch, Cian O’Connor and super-star Bertram Allen.

Last year’s final was won by Olympic bronze medalist Cian O’Connor riding Aramis 573 and this combination have developed into a formidable partnership, winning the latest round of the Premier Series at South County Dublin show last week.

The first the Connolly’s RED MILLS 7 & 8 year old qualifier takes place at 6.25pm today in the Simmonscourt arena, while a second qualifier will take place in the RDS main arena on Friday at 10.45am.

The Connolly’s RED MILLS 7 & 8 year old International final takes place at on Sunday morning at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show.