The RDS Dublin Horse Show kicked off on Wednesday. It is recognized as one of the biggest equestrian events on the international show-jumping calendar. It is the perfect blend of tradition and excellence and attracts visitors from all over the world for a total of five days. They all gather on Sunday to attend the main competition, the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland.
The equestrian community is buzzing with excitement as the riders who qualified for the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland have been announced, following their impressive performances in the qualifying rounds.
Wednesday August 14 , CSIO5* 1m60 timed Competing on home soil, Darragh Kenny claimed victory in the 5* 1m60 timed event riding Chic Chic. Starting mid-class, the pair completed the course in an unbeatable 69.17 seconds. They outpaced fellow Irish rider Michael Pender with Hhs Los Angeles and American rider McLain Ward with First Lady.
Thursday August 15, CSIO5* 1m60 with jump-off. Ireland shone once again on Thursday. Among the 45 pairs competing in the CSIO5* 1m60, eleven achieved perfect rounds to advance to the jump-off. Daniel Coyle, partnering with Incredible, secured victory for Ireland with two flawless performances. Giulia Martinengo Marquet with Delta Del’isle and Denis Lynch with Cordial completed the podium, both also finishing double clear.
Friday August 16, Nations' Cup CSIO5* 1m60.
The Nation’s Cup took place on Friday afternoon, with the USA claiming victory and Ireland finishing in second place. The top 18 pairs from the first round earned their spots in Sunday's Rolex Grand Prix.
Dublin Nations Cup @Sportfot
The last few weeks have been pretty good for us. Winning a medal in Paris and then following it up with a victory in Dublin—especially by defeating the host nation—is truly incredible!
This is my first time winning this Cup, something I've dreamed about since I was a kid! The past two weeks have been a whirlwind with the Olympics, then a trip back to the States to watch my daughter compete before coming here. But I'm here to win. If you lack the motivation or energy when competing for the Aga Khan Trophy, it might be time to reconsider your career!
Saturday August 17, CSIO5* 1m50 with jump-off.
This afternoon in Dublin, the US anthem played once more to honor McLain Ward’s victory. Ward, riding Contagious, secured first place in the 5* 1m50 class with a blistering time in the jump-off. Michael Pender took second place with Hhs Cornetta, while Giulia Martinengo Marquet rounded out the podium in third with Scuderia 1918 Calle Deluxe, who also delivered two flawless rounds.
Rolex Grand Prix, Sunday August 18 at 12:30 p.m. Some of the most illustrious names on the international equestrian scene - Henrik von Eckermann, Kevin Staut, Steve Guerdat, Ben Maher and Daniel Coyle - are among the forty riders who have qualified for this two-round Rolex Grand Prix. Alongside these emblematic figures, promising talents such as Nina Mallevaey will also be vying for victory. All will be dreaming of succeeding Frenchman François-Xavier Boudant, last year's winner with Brazyl du Mézel.
From 3:00 pm on Sunday, the spotlight will be on the Royal Dublin Society's Main Arena. It promises to be a thrilling class, with riders ready to take on a demanding course designed by Alan Wade. The Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland promises to be one of the most eagerly awaited competition of the weekend, offering a not-to-be-missed spectacle for equestrian sport enthusiasts.
Stay up to date with all Rolex Series information
