United States Claims the Historic 100th Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show 2026.

One hundred years of history, and the United States sealed it with a victory decided by the very last fence of the very last rider.

The United States claimed the 100th edition of the Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy sponsored by Elliott Group at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show 2026, finishing on zero total faults against eight nations at the Royal Dublin Society’s Laya Arena, under Dublin sunshine and in front of packed grandstands. Ireland finished second on 4 faults and Switzerland third on 8 faults.

Alan Wade’s two-round course, 12 obstacles, 15 jumping efforts and a 73-second time allowed, tested the world’s best nations in an afternoon that found no resolution until the final combination on course.

Round One — Ireland and the United States fly

Ireland opened with a flawless performance from Daniel Coyle and Farrel, a 16-year-old bay KWPN gelding (Cardento 933 x Stakkato), completing the first clear to an extraordinary ovation from the home crowd. Jordan Coyle added Ireland’s second clear with Chaccolino, a 15-year-old bay AWHA gelding (Chacco-Blue x Heartbreaker), and Shane Sweetnam sealed the triple with Coriaan van Klapscheut Z, a 10-year-old chestnut Zangersheide gelding (Comme Il Faut 5 x Lord Z), three clears that allowed Ireland to hold Cian O’Connor and Kentucky TN in reserve for the second round.

For the United States, Karl Cook, fresh from his victory in Thursday’s Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes, posted the first American clear with Caracole de la Roque, a 14-year-old bay SF mare (Zandor x Kannan*GFE). Paris Sellon added another clear with Chad Blue PS, an 11-year-old OS stallion (Chacco-Blue x Sandro Boy), while Laura Kraut’s 4 faults with Baloutinue, a 16-year-old bay Hanoverian gelding (Balou du Rouet x Landor S), did not count toward the team total, and Natalie Dean completed the clear with Mr Boombastic, a 12-year-old bay SF gelding (Vigo Cece x Sable Rose). At the halfway stage, Ireland and the United States were locked together on zero faults; the battle was set.

Round Two — The most dramatic conclusion

The second round ran in reverse order, and the tension escalated with every combination. Karl Cook sealed another clear with Caracole de la Roque — the only individual double clear of the afternoon, keeping the United States at the top. Daniel Coyle responded with another clear for Ireland, and Jordan Coyle did the same with Chaccolino, two nations separated by nothing.

The decision came with the final four riders. Natalie Dean recorded 4 faults with Mr Boombastic, not counting in the team total, but Shane Sweetnam also fell on 4 faults with Coriaan van Klapscheut Z, levelling the two nations. Laura Kraut then sealed the crucial clear with Baloutinue, putting all the pressure on the final combination, Cian O’Connor and Kentucky TN, an 11-year-old bay KWPN gelding (Verdi TN x Gratianus). With the Royal Dublin Society holding its breath, O’Connor brought down a fence in the triple combination, and the United States were crowned champions of the 100th Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy.

Final Classification — Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy | Gallagher Dublin Horse Show 2026