The U.S. produced a clear-cut victory Friday in Dublin to reclaim the coveted golden Aga Khan trophy for the Nations Cup that it had won in 2024, and seven times before that.
The competition was held on the century mark for the class, making it even more significant for the teams from eight nations who competed.
“This trophy here, the Aga Khan, is the best, most important iconic trophy in our sport. period. hands down,” exclaimed U.S. Coach Robert Ridland.
“To do it on its hundredth anniversary is iconic.”
There was no need for a jump-off, as the Irish — tied on zero penalties with the U.S. through most the two-round competition — wound up on a total of 4 faults in second place. The Irish anchor rider, Cian O’Connor on Kentucky TN, did not need to compete in the first round. But when he appeared for the crucial second round, his horse dropped a rail at the B element of the triple combination, putting the trophy in eager U.S. hands.
The USA’s victorious Dublin team of Karl Cook, Natalie Dean, Coach Robert Ridland, Laura Kraut and Paris Sellon.
Earlier in the second round, Irish team rider Shane Sweetnam, fault-free in the first round on Coriaan van Klapscheut Z, toppled a pole at the black and gold vertical. It was fence 9 of 15 jumping efforts on the course laid out by LA2028 Olympic course designer Alan Wade. With Cian’s mishap, that made the Irish total 4 penalties overall, with one of the 4’s as the drop score. Third was Switzerland on eight penalties.
The U.S. had double-clears from pathfinder Karl Cook (Caracole de la Roque) and team newcomer Paris Sellon (Chad Blue PS), who carried the Aga Khan trophy around during the victory lap. Robert noted Paris, who has a relatively new horse, was a late addition to the team, when some switching around was required.
Of his horse, his 2024 Olympic team silver medal mount, Karl said, “she’s just such an amazing mare every time she goes in. She loves the sport. the fans here are amazing and it makes the show even better.”
Robert had a plan in place for the jump-off, had one been required. Having Karl go first meant that if he had to compete in a jump-off, Caracole de la Roque would have had time to rest beforehand as every other rider in the class took their turn.
Anchor rider Laura Kraut, on her 2024 Olympic mount, Baloutinue, had 4 faults in her first round, and Natalie Dean (Mr. Boombastic) toppled a pole at the vertical that was the C element of the triple in the second round. But both 4’s were the drop scores in each round, leaving the U.S. on a clean sheet.
“I just love Dublin. the crowd here is the best,” said Laura after delivering her perfect trip in the second round She won the grand prix at the Royal Dublin Society showgrounds last year, and hopes to do it again on Sunday.
“We love it here, the horses love it here, there’s no better place in the world,” she enthused.
When it comes to pomp, Dublin makes a real occasion of its team competition to highlight the importance of its beloved trophy. The presentation ceremony included a military band and bagpipers in kilts, as well as dignitaries in top hats. The stands were packed and the spectators never stropped cheering, adding extra decibels for the home team.
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