DUTCH TRIUMPH IN THRILLING NATIONS’ CUP OF IRELAND FOR THE AGHA KHAN TROPHY
The iconic Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy delivered an afternoon of unforgettable sport at the RDS Dublin Horse Show, as eight top nations battled over two intense rounds on a demanding course designed by Ireland’s own Alan Wade. Born and raised in Tipperary, Wade grew up immersed in horse sport, following in the footsteps of his father, course designer and international show jumper Tommy Wade.
Round One: A Test from the Start
The competition began with The Netherlands opening the order, drawn first to go. Frank Schuttert and Isi had the challenging task of being pathfinders, finishing on 12 faults after two rails in the triple and a mistake at the water jump. Canada followed, with Mario Deslauriers and S & L Quatro incurring 8 faults after a tricky entry into the double combination.
Germany’s Christian Ahlmann (8 faults) and Switzerland’s first rider (12 faults) showed early on the technical difficulty of Wade’s course. The home crowd erupted for Denis Lynch, who produced a brilliant round but had 4 faults at the water.
The first clear of the day came from a man in top form — Aaron Vale (USA), fresh off his Rolex Grand Prix of Dinard victory just two weeks ago — riding Styles. More clears followed, including Kevin Jochems (Camilla van de Helle, NED), Nicole Walker (Panter JVH, CAN), Tom Wachman (Tabasco de Toxandria Z, IRL) — who was given a thunderous ovation — Sandra Auffarth (Quirici H, GER), and Seamus Hughes Kennedy (ESI Rocky, IRL).
After the first round, two teams — The Netherlands and USA — sat on a perfect score of 0, with Ireland and Germanyclose behind on 4 faults each. The stage was set for a dramatic second round.
Round Two: A Nail-Biting Finish
Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer (Jason R) opened the second round, followed by strong performances from Germany and Great Britain, both producing clears. The tension rose when the two leading teams each picked up 8 faults with their first riders, opening the door for Ireland and Germany.
The RDS crowd erupted again when Tom Wachman, just 20 years old, produced his second clear of the day — a double clear that will be remembered for years. Not to be outdone, 22-year-old Seamus Hughes Kennedy also delivered a flawless second round, keeping Ireland in contention.
The Netherlands stayed rock solid, producing faultless rounds to hold onto their lead. As the final riders prepared to go, the podium was still undecided. The last Swiss rider did not start, securing no chance to move up the rankings.
Cian O’Connor delivered for Ireland with a crucial clear, guaranteeing at least third place on a total of 4 faults and 215.84 seconds. Richard Vogel then answered for Germany with a faultless round, moving them to second on 4 faults in 209.73 seconds.
The final word went to Harrie Smolders and Mr. Tac for The Netherlands — and they delivered. Crossing the finish with a total of 0 faults in 213.69 seconds, the Dutch secured a sensational victory in Dublin.
Final Standings:
🥇 The Netherlands — 0 faults / 213.69s
🥈 Germany — 4 faults / 209.73s
🥉 Ireland — 4 faults / 215.84s
The 2025 Nations’ Cup of Ireland once again proved why it is one of the most prestigious and fiercely contested events in the sport, combining passionate home support, elite competition, and the electric atmosphere of Dublin’s RDS.
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