The U.S. produced a clear-cut, fault-free victory Friday in Dublin to reclaim the coveted golden Aga Khan trophy for the Nations Cup that it also won in 2024, and seven times before that as well.
The competition was held on the century mark for the class, making it even more significant and historic 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, comparing it in terms of reverence to hockey’s Stanley Cup.
Everything about the show prompts a special feeling, and no one can forget winning at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show.
“To do it on its hundredth anniversary is iconic. That was one heck of a Nations Cup. It went down to the wire and was a duel to the finish,” said Robert.
“All four (U.S.) riders had a part in it, and that to me is important, because so many times, even when you win a Nations Cup, someone might have been the discard score both times. All four riders were on the podium and basking in their glory.”
(For some, it may be worth noting that of the five people, including Robert, who were on that podium, all were Californians except Laura Kraut.)
There was no need for a jump-off, as the Irish — tied on zero penalties with the U.S. through most of 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 as his teammates were fault-free. But when he appeared for the crucial second round, his horse dropped the front 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 flanked by replicas of the Aga Khan cup. It was fence 9 of 15 jumping efforts on the course laid out by LA2028 Olympic course designer Alan Wade. Cian’s mishap gave the Irish a total 4 penalties overall, because one of the 4’s was 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 happily carried the Aga Khan trophy around the arena 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 Cara, 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, Cara would have had time to rest before the tie-breaker, 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.
Robert agreed.
“Dublin is such a special place. The fans here are knowledgeable. We’re always received well. If the Irish can’t win, we feel like we’re their second choice.”
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 wearing top hats. The stands were packed and the spectators never stropped cheering, adding extra decibels for the home team.
The stadium has had a big re-do, but the grass field is a familiar surface with a more elegant frame. The jumps embodied the character of Dublin and the Nations Cup. One of the standards was a wooden statue of Molly Malone, with her cockles and mussels.
Landmarks next to other jumps included green “telefon” boxes, Celtic crosses and Cashel Palace. It was a tour of the city, available without leaving the arena.
Click here for results
