Dublin, Ireland – August 06, 2026 –  The battle for qualification for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland intensified on Thursday afternoon as the Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes CSIO 5* – 1.60m delivered another afternoon of world-class sport at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show CSIO 5*.

A total of 43 horse-and-rider combinations tackled Alan Wade‘s (IRL) demanding 13-obstacle course, where precision, scope and speed were once again put to the test. As the second qualifying class for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland, every rider was eager to secure valuable qualification points in front of the enthusiastic Dublin crowd.

Home favourite Niamh McEvoy (IRL) had the honour of opening the competition, but several rails denied the Irish rider a place in the jump-off. Kevin Staut (FRA) was the first to produce a fault-free round aboard Ever de Turan, before Karl Cook and Foxy de la Roque ensured there would be a jump-off with another clear performance.

As the competition progressed, Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Michael Pender (IRL), Carl-Walter Fox (SWE), Anastasia Nielsen (MON), Janika Sprunger (SUI), Max Wachman (IRL), Olivier Philippaerts (BEL), Logan Fiechter (NED) and William Whitaker (GBR) also jumped clear, bringing the total number of qualifiers to 11.

The jump-off once again highlighted the exceptional level of competition on display in Dublin. Six combinations managed to produce double clear rounds, leaving the clock to decide the winner.

Karl Cook (USA) set an impressive target aboard Foxy de la Roque, stopping the clock in 37.11 seconds. Despite strong performances from those who followed, no one could better the American’s time.

Kevin Staut (FRA) claimed second place with Ever de Turan in 38.43 seconds, while Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) completed the podium aboard Major Tom in 38.72 seconds.

With two qualifying classes now completed, the race for a place in Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland continues to take shape. Attention now turns to Friday’s Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy, one of the sport’s most prestigious team competitions, where the world’s leading nations will go head-to-head before Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix.

Final Results – €56,800 Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes CSIO 5* – 1.60m

1) Karl Cook (USA) & Foxy de La Roque – 0 / 0 – 37.11

2) Kevin Staut (FRA) & Ever du Turan – 0 / 0 – 38.43

3) Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) & Major Tom – 0 / 0 – 38.72

Source: Press Release from Rolex Equestrian

Photo: © Rolex Series / Luis Carlos Ruas

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Link