On Friday last the United States team lifted the Aga Khan Trophy at the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS for the ninth time in their history as Ireland finished second in the equestrian team competition. The Irish team battled with the Americans for a centenary edition of the Nations’ Cup of Ireland. The competition brought back the original six teams that competed at the first edition in 1926, when Switzerland lifted the trophy.
Laura Kraut, aboard Baloutinue, led the U.S. team, under Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, to the finish in front of the new Anglesea Stand now renamed the Laya Arena. The Irish team led the competition into the second round with zero faults but the USA, also with zero, and Britain, with two faults, didn’t trail far behind. Daniel and Jordan Coyle both achieved clear runs across the two rounds while Shane Sweetman achieved a clear first round.
However, it wasn’t enough for an Irish team led by Chef d’Equipe Jessica Kurten, that featured Cian O’Connor’s 20th Aga Khan performance. Kurten said she was absolutely thrilled with the team’s performance despite the loss. Switzerland finished third, followed by Germany in fourth and Great Britain in fifth. Belgium were sixth, with last year’s winners Netherlands in 7th and France finished last. Speaking after the presentation U.S. rider Laura Kraut said: ‘‘I just love Dublin, I have to say the crowd here is the best. You guys are amazing.’’
