DUBLIN READY TO BATTLE FOR THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX OF IRELAND

The 2025 RDS Dublin Horse Show, a Rolex series event, has once again confirmed its status as one of the great stages of international show jumping, drawing massive crowds, electric atmosphere, and the very best riders in the world. Since Wednesday, the legendary RDS Main Arena has witnessed sporting drama, home triumphs, and world-class performances in the lead-up to Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland.

The week opened with the Sport Ireland Classic (CSIO5* – 1.55m – Table A against the clock), where Richard Vogel (GER) set the tone early with Phenyo van het Keysersbos, stopping the clock at 67.57 seconds to take victory. Michael Pender (IRL) thrilled the home fans with HHS Los Angeles to secure second in 67.88, while Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and Dhalida completed the podium with a smooth clear in 69.70.

Thursday brought the Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes (CSIO5* – 1.60m – Table A with Jump-Off), the second qualifier for the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland, and an afternoon to remember for the home crowd. Jordan Coyle (IRL) and Chaccolino delivered a fearless jump-off in 37.19 seconds to take the win, ahead of McLain Ward (USA) with Imperial HBF (38.56) and Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) with Major Tom (41.18).

Friday was all about team spirit in the iconic Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy. In front of a roaring Irish audience, Team Netherlands emerged victorious with a perfect score of 0 penalties in a combined time of 213.69 seconds, edging out Team Germany (4 penalties, 209.73 seconds) and Team Ireland (4 penalties, 215.84 seconds) in a thrilling contest that went down to the wire.

Saturday’s highlight came with the Dublin Stakes for the Wylie Perpetual Trophy (CSIO5* – 1.50m – Table A with Jump-Off – €56,800), where Ireland celebrated another home victory. Niamh McEvoy (IRL) and Flora du Mesnil flew to the win with a lightning-fast double clear in 35.75 seconds, ahead of Willem Greve (NED)and Pretty Woman van’t Paradijs (0/0 – 37.08) and Jason Smith (NZL) with Picobello van’t Roosakker (0/0 – 37.19). The challenging course saw only seven combinations qualify for the jump-off, with McEvoy’s precision and speed sealing a memorable Irish triumph on the eve of the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland.

THE 40 RIDERS READY TO BATTLE

With all qualifying spots now decided, the line-up for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland will feature 40 of the best combinations in the sport. Among them are some of the biggest names in international show jumping:

Aaron Vale (USA) — Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard 2025 champion, aiming to repeat his French heroics.

Harrie Smolders (NED) — runner-up in Dinard and Nations Cup double-clear hero in Dublin.

McLain Ward (USA) — Olympic team gold medallist, master tactician, and Thursday’s jump-off runner-up.

Richard Vogel (GER) — reigning European Champion and Wednesday’s lightning-fast winner.

Sandra Auffarth (GER) — Rolex Grand Prix of Falsterbo 2024 winner.

Kevin Staut (FRA) — Rolex Grand Prix Ville de Dinard 2024 winner.

Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) — Olympic champion and triple World Cup Final winner.

Willem Greve (NED) — Rolex Grand Prix of The Dutch Masters 2024 winner.

Cian O’Connor (IRL) — Olympic bronze medallist and home favourite.

Seamus Hughes Kennedy (IRL) & Tom Wachman (IRL)— Just 20 and 22 years old, both contributed to Ireland’s third-place finish in yesterday’s Nations Cup of Ireland.

Laura Kraut (USA) — Olympic team silver medallist and one of the most experienced in the field.

Marco Kutscher (GER) — double European Champion with a wealth of 5* experience.

Carlos Hank Guerreiro (MEX) — A consistent contender on the global stage and current No. 2 in the FEI Jumping U25 Ranking.

From seasoned champions to young prodigies, this star-studded roster promises an epic battle in Dublin.

THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX OF IRELAND

The Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland — set for Sunday, August 10 at 3:00 PM in the legendary RDS Main Arena — will be designed by Ireland’s own Alan Wade. Known for his ability to craft courses that balance technical difficulty and fairness, Wade’s track is expected to demand absolute precision, exceptional scope, and bold decision-making from the world’s best. With a star-studded line-up and a passionate Irish crowd, the stage is perfectly set for an unforgettable finale to the 2025 Dublin Horse Show.