Americans win Dublin Nations Cup — Dutch finish first in Europe Division 1

Lauren Hough and Ohlala, Lillie Keenan and Super Sox, Beezie Madden and Darry Lou and Laura Kraut on Confu shone in the big grass ring of RDS Arena at this year’s event in the birthplace of show jumping. Indeed, Hough and Kraut both had double-clear rounds at the celebrated venue in Dublin’s Ballsbridge suburb, with Olympic champion Kraut securing the victory over second-place France and third-place Holland.

“We said at the beginning of the year this was one of the shows we are bringing our ‘A team’ to,” USA Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland said after the win. “It’s our view that the Aga Khan is the greatest trophy in our sport.” Ridland paid tribute to his group’s composure under pressure, adding, “There are many ways to win a Nations Cup, sometimes you get lucky, but today in my view there was no luck. These four riders did an unbelievable job!” According to the FEI, Team USA has to date won the Aga Khan trophy for the Nations Cup in Dublin seven times. They recorded their first victory in 1948 and were also winners in 2014.

And while the Americans were not eligible to pick up qualifying points in the Irish capital — and in any case have already booked a ticket from North America to Barcelona alongside Canada — the win will bring extra confidence and momentum to the U.S. squad as they ahead to the FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final at the Real Club de Polo from September 28-October 1. And depending on rider availability, Ridland will have a big group of top riders to choose from for Barcelona.

Ireland is also qualified for the 2017 Final, along with Europe Division 1 winners the Netherlands and five other teams in the Division: France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland. In addition, last-place Spain will also make it in as host nation. Great Britain is currently and comfortably in second place in Division 2 and will be heading back to the Catalan city, where last year it lost a close battle for the title to Team Germany. There is one qualifier left in Division 2, the CSIO5* in Gijon, Spain, taking place August 30-September 4.