Dublin, Ireland – August 10, 2025 – The €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland CSIO 5* at the 2025 Dublin Horse Show proved to be one of the most thrilling and demanding show jumping contests in recent memory. The first round of the CSIO 5* 1.60m jump-off challenge, designed with 14 obstacles and 17 efforts to be completed in 77 seconds, tested the very best in the world on the legendary grass of the RDS Main Arena.

From the very first riders, it was clear that this was no ordinary Grand Prix. Faults fell thick and fast, with even the most experienced names unable to tame the track. Dutchman Kevin Jochems (NED) opened proceedings with Camilla van de Helle but clipped the very first fence and added another rail, plus a time fault, to finish on 9 penalty-points. Ireland’s first hope, Shane Sweetnam (IRL) with James Kann Cruz, produced a fast round but also finished on 4 penalty-points.

One after another, some of the sport’s brightest stars — Joseph Stockdale (GBR), Richard Vogel (GER), the reigning European Champion and Wednesday’s Sport Ireland Classic winner — found themselves caught out by the technical design. Vogel, a strong favourite, saw his chances slip away with two late rails despite a lightning-fast 73.61 seconds.

By the halfway mark, the leaderboard was still led by riders carrying 4 penalty-points. In a rare turn of events at this level, no rider had managed to post a clear round, leaving the possibility open for a jump-off between the fastest 4-fault scores. Names like Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Tom Wachman (IRL), Aaron Vale (USA), Harrie Smolders (NED), and McLain Ward (USA) fought to deliver the elusive perfect round, but all fell short — often at the very last fence.

The tension in the stands was palpable. Then, with just two riders left to go, Laura Kraut (USA), one of the most experienced competitors in the sport and an Olympic team silver medallist, entered the arena. With precision, composure, and perfect harmony with Bisquetta, she produced the moment everyone had been waiting for — the only clear round of the day, in 73.97 seconds. The crowd erupted, the roar echoing around the stadium as Kraut punched the air in triumph.

With no need for a jump-off, her single clear secured her the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland title, writing a new chapter in Dublin’s history books.

Final Results – €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland CSIO 5*

1) Laura Kraut (USA) & Bisquetta – 0 – 73.97

2) Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) & Major Tom – 4 – 73.61

3) Shane Sweetnam (IRL) & James Kann Cruz – 4 – 74.39

Source: Press Release from Rolex Series – Equestrian

Photos: © Rolex Series / Sportof

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