Ireland’s top show jumpers are primed for one of the most prestigious events in the equestrian calendar: The Underwriting Exchange Nations Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy at the Dublin Horse Show. With a strong season behind them, Michael Blake’s team is ready to take on the world’s elite on home soil.

The team—Darragh Kenny with VDL Cartello, Denis Lynch with Vistogrand, Mark McAuley with GRS Lady Amaro (ISH), and Cian O’Connor with Fancy De Kergane—will compete against eight top-tier nations, including Britain, Switzerland, and the United States. After finishing as runners-up last year, Ireland is determined to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2022.

Michael Blake, Ireland’s High Performance Show Jumping Director, speaks with confidence and pride about his team’s chances. “There’s no place like home,” he says, “and we are really looking forward to getting out in front of the Irish fans. We are hopeful we can regain the Aga Khan after winning it in 2022.” Blake’s belief in his team is well-founded, given the consistent performances and resilience shown by his riders throughout the season.

Blake’s confidence is grounded in the consistent performances of his riders throughout the season. Darragh Kenny, fresh from success in Ocala, will ride VDL Cartello, while Mark McAuley, a proven clear round producer, partners with GRS Lady Amaro. Denis Lynch, part of the winning team at Aachen, will ride Vistogrand, and Cian O’Connor, anchoring the team, brings the promising Fancy De Kergane.

The Dublin Horse Show is really a world class event steeped in tradition. It offers an unparalleled atmosphere where the roar of the crowd and the historical significance of the Aga Khan Trophy create a unique pressure cooker that only the best Showjumpers can handle. As Blake noted, “There is something extra special about Dublin and the Aga Khan trophy on the Friday of Horse Show week, jumping at the highest level in front of the best fans in the world.”

The Dublin Horse Show is also hosting the Rolex Grand Prix, a €500,000 event that has attracted the world’s top riders. With such a high-caliber field, the competition promises to be fierce, but Ireland’s squad is well-prepared.

The Dublin Horse Show’s prestigious setting, combined with Ireland’s strong lineup, has created palpable excitement among the Irish equestrian community. As the team takes to the arena later today, all eyes will be on them to see if they can rise to the occasion and bring the Aga Khan Trophy home once again.