International course designer Alan Wade set a demanding first-round track of 14 obstacles and 17 efforts, with a time allowed of 80 seconds. Precision was required from the very beginning, and the course quickly began to separate the field.

First into the arena, Arne van Heel and Keaton HV immediately showed that a clear round was possible. The Dutch combination delivered a composed and precise performance, leaving every fence standing and finishing inside the time to open the door to a jump-off.

Several riders then saw their hopes disappear around Wade’s course. Rene Dittmer and Cody 139 collected four faults at the Rolex vertical in the middle of the triple combination, as well as one time fault, while Robert Whitaker and Equine America Vermento saw a promising round come undone over the final two fences.

The atmosphere changed as home favourite Jordan Coyle and Chaccolino entered the arena. Already double clear together in Friday’s Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy, the pair confirmed their excellent form with another fault-free performance. The packed grandstands erupted as Coyle secured his place in the jump-off.

World No. 3 Shane Sweetnam, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix of Falsterbo earlier this season, encountered difficulties with Pia Maria H, while Jörne Sprehe and Toys, runners-up in the Rolex Gran Premio Roma in May, finished on four faults after lowering the Rolex Series wall. The same obstacle also caught out the in-form Natalie Dean and Acota M.

Then came Steve Guerdat. Partnering Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte, the Olympic champion produced a perfectly controlled clear round to add his name to the jump-off.

The Irish crowd soon had another reason to celebrate as Lt Michaeli Byrne and MSH Claregalway delivered an impressive clear to secure their place among the finalists.

Two of the week’s leading American contenders were unable to join them. Karl Cook and Foxy de la Roque, winners of Thursday’s Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes, encountered several difficulties, while World No. 1 Kent Farrington and Greya looked on course for a clear until a fault coming out of the Rolex triple combination ended their hopes of reaching the jump-off.

France then enjoyed a strong run. Nicolas Sers and Eleven de Riverland confirmed their good form with a clear round, before Olivier Robert and Iglesias D.V. also booked their place in the jump-off.

Ireland added a third combination when Michael Pender and the homebred Madgeslane Louis completed a fault-free first round, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Defending champion Laura Kraut encountered difficulties at the Rolex Series wall and elected to retire, bringing her bid for consecutive victories in Dublin to an end.

World No. 2 Richard Vogel and Cloudio then produced a masterclass, making Alan Wade’s demanding course look effortless as they secured their place in the jump-off. Rodrigo Pessoa, runner-up in this Rolex Grand Prix twelve months ago, was equally determined aboard Major Tom, producing another clear to complete the list of nine combinations progressing to the decisive round.

NINE COMBINATIONS. ONE ROLEX GRAND PRIX TITLE.

With nine combinations through to the jump-off, the stage was set for a thrilling conclusion in Dublin.

First to return, Arne van Heel and Keaton HV immediately applied the pressure. The Dutch rider set an ambitious pace from the opening fence and, despite touching several rails along the way, everything stayed in place. A double clear in 41.47 seconds established the first time to beat.

Then came Jordan Coyle.

Riding in front of his home crowd, the Irishman took every risk with Chaccolino, turning tight and attacking the final line at full speed. The grandstands rose as he crossed the finish line clear in 39.27 seconds, more than two seconds faster than van Heel. After an already successful week in Dublin, Coyle had delivered once again when it mattered most.

But Steve Guerdat had other plans.

With Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte, the Swiss champion produced a round of remarkable precision and fluidity. Every turn was measured, every stride calculated, and the pair stopped the clock in an impressive 37.81 seconds to take the lead.

Lt Michaeli Byrne and MSH Claregalway followed with another clear in 44.27 seconds, adding an excellent result to an already memorable afternoon for the Irish combination.

The remaining riders now had no choice but to take risks. Nicolas Sers attacked from the start but lowered the final fence, while his compatriot Olivier Robert also finished on four faults. Michael Pender suffered the same fate despite an ambitious attempt in front of his home crowd.

Richard Vogel entered the arena determined to challenge Guerdat’s leading time. The German pushed Cloudio from the opening strides, taking tight turns and leaving nothing on the table, but a fault ended his challenge for victory.

Last to go, Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom were the final combination capable of denying Guerdat the title. Two fences down ultimately led the Brazilian to retire, confirming the Swiss rider as the winner of the 2026 Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland.

STEVE GUERDAT, MASTER OF DUBLIN

With a faultless performance and the fastest double clear of the day, Steve Guerdat and Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitteclaimed the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland.

Jordan Coyle and Chaccolino finished second after an exceptional performance in front of their home crowd, while Arne van Heel and Keaton HV completed the podium.

1. Steve Guerdat & Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte — 0 / 0 — 37.81 sec
2. Jordan Coyle & Chaccolino — 0 / 0 — 39.27 sec
3. Arne van Heel & Keaton HV — 0 / 0 — 41.47 sec

After five days of world-class sport, packed grandstands and an atmosphere unique to the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show, Steve Guerdat leaves Dublin as the 2026 Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland champion.

The Rolex Series now turns its attention to the Brussels Stephex Masters, taking place from 26–30 August, for the seventh and final event of the 2026 Rolex Series season.