The Sport Ireland Classic kicked off the major competitions at the Dublin Horse Show 2025, with 43 riders taking part in this CSIO5* 1.55m, held in the iconic RDS Main Arena. This class served as the first qualifier for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland, setting a high-intensity tone for the rest of the week.
Great Britain’s Donald Whitaker, riding Ulania 3, had the honour of opening the class with a small miscommunication.

It was Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer who posted the first clear round, delivering a smooth and fluid performance aboard Opalocka du Roton in 73.47. Shortly after, Germany’s Christian Ahlmann (73.67) and the Netherlands’ Willem Greve (73.60) also delivered faultless rounds, claiming provisional top spots.

🇮🇪 The Irish crowd didn’t have to wait long to celebrate, as Tom Wachman and Do It Easy produced a lovely clear in 74.10, marking the first Irish clear round of the class.

🇩🇪But the standout performance came from Richard Vogel. The reigning European Champion, riding Phenyo van het Keysersbos, delivered an exceptional round, stopping the clock in 67.57 and leaving his competitors trailing by more than two seconds. A time that would remain unbeaten throughout the class.

Ireland’s Michael Pender, last to enter the arena, gave it everything with HHS Los Angeles. His brilliant effort brought him close, finishing in 67.88, securing a fantastic second place to the delight of the home crowd.

🇧🇷 Brazilian legend Rodrigo Pessoa completed the podium with a masterful clear round in 69.70 aboard Dhalida.

Out of 43 starters, an impressive 22 riders managed to produce clear rounds, underlining the world-class level of competition. But on this opening day, Richard Vogel set the benchmark and confirmed he will be one of the riders to beat in Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland.

Final Podium — Sport Ireland Classic:
🥇Richard Vogel (GER) — Phenyo van het Keysersbos — 67.57
🥈Michael Pender (IRL) — HHS Los Angeles — 67.88
🥉Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) — Dhalida — 69.70