Friday’s CSIO5* 1.60m Nations Cup of Ireland for award of the Aga Khan Trophy at the 2025-edition of Dublin Horse – a venue that celebrates its 150th anniversary this year – saw eight nations battle it out in the iconic RDS Main Arena.
In the end, it was Wout-Jan van der Schans’ Dutch squad that came out on top, after being challenged by Ian Millar’s team Canada, Otto Becker’s German squad, Peter van der Waaij’s Swiss team, Michael Blake’s Irish side, Di Lampard’s Great Britain, Mark Laskin’s Mexico and Robert Ridland’s USA.
With these images, we look back at the action in Dublin, where the German team took the runner-up spot behind the Dutch, while the hosts completed the podium in third.
All photos © Nanna Nieminen for World of Showjumping. No reproduction of any of the content in this article will be accepted without a written permission, all rights reserved © World of Showjumping.com. If copyright violations occur, a penalty fee will apply.
Wout-Jan van der Schans’ Dutch squad won Friday’s CSIO5* 1.60m Nations Cup of Ireland for award of the Aga Khan Trophy at the 2025-edition of Dublin Horse Show.
Willem Greve delivered a double clear with the exuberant Grandorado TN N.O.P., helping the Dutch team take top honours.
Harrie Smolder's Mr. Tac was the Dutch hero of the day. "Thank you to the Megret-family; I am very grateful to have this horse in my team," Smolders said in the press conference afterwards.
The iconic Dublin showground celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.
When in Ireland...
Eight nations went into battle in Friday's Nations Cup of Ireland.
While the win went to the Dutch, the Irish young guns kept the home team’s hopes alive by jumping impressive clear rounds - here Seamus Hughes Kennedy on his way to the arena.
Tom Wachman, 20, and Tabasco de Toxandria Z jumped double clear for Ireland.
...and were celebrated by an enthusiastic Dublin-crowd.
Denis Lynch and Vistogrand were part of the Irish team that finished third in the end.
Fish and chips with a side of Rolex...
The course set by Alan Wade set the scene for great sport with just enough drama and faults spread out – plus a tight finish where a jump-off for the win was just a fence away.
Joe Stockdale inspecting the course with William Funnell and Stanny Van Paesschen.
Team Mexico showed up in high spirits...
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Photo © Nanna Nieminen/WoSJ.
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Photo © Nanna Nieminen/WoSJ.
Eugenio Garza Perez and Contago jumped the only clear for the Mexican team that in the end finished 7th.
Donald Whitaker looking serious ahead of the competition...
...while Millfield Colette was a picture of confidence.
Sandra Auffarth – who jumped double clear with Quirici H – and Richard Vogel discussing the course with the German chef d'equipe Otto Becker.
Christian Ahlmann and Blueberry were part of the German team that finished second.
Germany's Marco Kutscher was all smiles after Catelly jumped clear in the first round.
Mario Deslauriers and S & L Quatro van de Meerputhoeve were part of Ian Millar's Canadian team.
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Photo © Nanna Nieminen/WoSJ.
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Photo © Nanna Nieminen/WoSJ.
Captain Canada, Ian Millar.
Aaron Vale and Styles jumped clear in the first round for Robert Ridland's U.S. squad that finished fourth.
Last year, McLain Ward and Callas sealed the deal when team USA won the Nations Cup of Ireland...
...this time around, the two delivered another double clear, but it was not enough to defend their title.
Laura Kraut thanks Tres Bien Z after a clear in the first round.
Lee McKeever's daughter Baylee was there to support team Ward.
Matthew Sampson and Daniel waiting for their turn.
The first time around, Joe Stockdale and Ebanking picked up eight penalties but came back strong to jump clear in the second round.
Behind the scenes...
Mario Deslauriers making his way to the main ring amid the huge crowds in Dublin.
Support teams keeping an eye on the action in the warm-up.
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Photo © Nanna Nieminen/WoSJ.
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Photo © Nanna Nieminen/WoSJ.
“As a sportsman, you want to be in this kind of position, where it really matters,” Harrie Smolders said about the pressure of being the last in the ring with Mr. Tac to seal the deal for the Dutch.
Then