RDS DUBLIN HORSE SHOW : THE WORLD’S BEST RIDERS AND HORSES ARE READY FOR ACTION !

The next chapter of the 2025 Rolex Series is about to unfold in one of the world’s most iconic cities — Dublin, Ireland. From August 6 to 10, the historic RDS Dublin Horse Show will host a spectacular week of world-class show jumping, where sport and tradition come together in perfect harmony.

As the Rolex Series makes its much-anticipated return to Dublin, it brings with it an elite field of international riders and horses, all vying for glory in an atmosphere renowned for its passion and prestige. For over 150 years, the RDS Dublin Horse Show has been a cornerstone of equestrian sport, celebrated not only as a premier sporting event but also as a cultural and social highlight on the Irish calendar. Now part of the Rolex Series, Dublin joins the ranks of the world’s most legendary venues — standing proudly alongside Wellington, Rome, La Baule, Dinard, Falsterbo, and Brussels.

All 151 participating horses have successfully passed the veterinary inspection, and 67 of the world’s top riders are ready to compete at the highest level. The competition will officially begin tomorrow, with an exciting program of CSIO5* and CSIYH1* classes where rising stars and seasoned champions will take center stage. Key highlights include the prestigious Nations Cup of Ireland for the award of the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy, scheduled for Friday, August 8 at 3:00 PM, and the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland on Sunday, August 10 at 3:00 PM in the iconic RDS Main Arena.

AN EXCEPTIONAL LINE-UP GATHERED IN DUBLIN

The world’s best riders are gathering in Dublin this week for an unmissable event of the Rolex Series — and among them, Ireland’s finest will be ready to defend their colors on home soil.

Backed by an electrifying home crowd, the Irish squad will assemble a powerful line-up, blending the experience of seasoned champions with the dynamism of rising stars. Cian O’Connor, Olympic medallist and one of Ireland’s most decorated riders (World No. 10 and recent runner-up in the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome 2025), will spearhead the Irish charge, alongside Rolex testimonee, Bertram Allen, renowned for his speed and precision. Rising talents like Seamus Hughes Kennedy and Daniel Coyle will inject fresh energy, while seasoned athletes such as Darragh Kenny, Trevor Breen, and Denis Lynch bring valuable experience and consistency. With several other strong Irish riders also in contention, Ireland will field a formidable line-up determined to shine on home soil, aiming for standout performances in both the Nations Cup and the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland.

But these athletes will encounter elite challengers from a stellar pool of international competitors. Rolex testimonee, Kevin Staut (FRA), currently ranked World No. 11 and winner of the 2024 Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard, will be looking to extend his Rolex Series success. Aaron Vale (USA), who claimed the 2025 Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard and finished 3rd in the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland last year, returns with his sights firmly set on victory. The American contingent will also include superstar Laura Kraut, an Olympic champion known for her sharp competitive edge and McLain Ward (USA), currently World No. 5 and a multiple Olympic gold medallist.

Adding to the elite roster is Sandra Auffarth (GER), who triumphed in the 2024 Rolex Grand Prix at Falsterbo Horse Show. Germany’s Rolex Testimonee, Richard Vogel, fresh from his historic European champion title and now ranked World No. 9, will also be among the favorites.

The world’s best will battle it out in front of a passionate crowd, promising an unforgettable display of show jumping excellence.

ROAD TO THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX OF IRELAND : QUALIFICATION PATHWAY EXPLAINED

As anticipation builds for the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland, the journey to qualification is now clearly defined. Across five days of elite competition, athletes will battle through a series of key classes to secure one of the coveted spots in Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland, the highlight of the RDS Dublin Horse Show.

Qualification will follow a precise order, as outlined in the competition regulations :

1.Prequalified Athletes: A select group of athletes are prequalified and will automatically be eligible for the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland.

2. The 18 best-placed athletes following Round One of the Nations Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy (Competition No. 8) will earn qualification.

3.Points Accumulated in CSIO5* Competitions:
An additional group of athletes will qualify based on points earned in the following key competitions:

Competition No. 3: Sport Ireland Classic (Wednesday, August 6 – 1.55m Table A Against the Clock)

Competition No. 6: Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes (Thursday, August 7 – 1.60m Table A with Jump-Off)

Competition No. 8: Nations Cup of Ireland (Friday, August 8 – 1.60m, Round One Penalties Only)

Athletes who compete as Individuals or as the 5th Team Member will accumulate points in Competitions No. 3 and No. 6. Nations Cup Team riders will accumulate points in Competitions No. 3 and No. 8.

This ranking will determine additional qualifiers until the total number of qualified riders reaches 36. In the event of a tie for the 36th qualifying position, all athletes with equal points will qualify.

4.Final Opportunity: The Dublin Stakes (Competition No. 10):
The four highest-placed athletes in the Dublin Stakes, who have not yet qualified, will earn the final places in the Grand Prix.

This multi-phase qualification ensures that the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland will feature only the finest, most consistent combinations — promising a thrilling showdown on Sunday, August 10 - 3PM.

STARTLISTS & RESULTS