The Irish Show Jumping team have made a winning start to the 2025 Longines League Of Nations, after they secured a magnificent victory in Saturday's season-opener at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Denis Lynch got Ireland off to the perfect start with a clear round aboard the ultra-consistent Vistogrand and that was followed by another Irish clear from fellow Tipperary rider Trevor Breen with Highland President. Carlow’s Jason Foley with his new mount Chedington Hazy Toulana, who was formerly ridden by Australia’s Christopher Burton, left all the fences standing but picked up two time penalties as third to go which would prove to be the Irish discard score. Kildare’s Michael Pender was Ireland’s anchor rider aboard HHS Los Angeles (ISH) and they delivered a third Irish clear inside the time to ensure Michael Blake’s team would start the second round tied for the lead with France and the home team from the UAE on a zero score.

With just three riders for each team to jump in the second round, team manager Michael Blake selected Lynch, Breen and Pender for round two and the trio didn’t disappoint after they all completed double clear performances to leave Ireland as the only team to finish on a zero score.

The home team from the United Arab Emirates finished as runners-up, with the Irish-bred BBS McGregor (ISH) delivering a vital second round clear as they held off France who filled third spot on the podium. Germany, winners at this venue in 2024, had to settle for fourth this time around, followed by Italy, Great Britain, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, USA, and Sweden.

“It means everything,” said Irish Chef d’Equipe Michael Blake of his team’s win. “It’s incredible, winning on zero is hard to do. Were a small nation, we’re really punching above our weight! We were resilient today.”

“It was astounding,” he added of their seven rides with no rails on the ground. “I’m very proud of my boys. They jumped seven rounds today without a fence down.”

“It feels very, very good — I’m not going to lie,” laughed Trevor Breen, returning from a serious injury that required surgery. “It was a long road back. I just had to convince Michael that I was ready. I’m just over the moon that I could deliver.”

Jason Foley was thrilled that things worked out so well with Chedington Hazy Toulana, a brand new partner. “It took a good bit of faith from Michael and the crews at home,” he said.

Speaking about his winning round, Michael Pender said: “I’m very happy. My horse jumped amazing.”

Pender commented that the team atmosphere was a major factor in his performance and that he was elated after their second-place finish last year: “Lucky enough the result went our way. It definitely feels sweet today after leaving it behind us last year.”

Blake also thanked team member Denis Lynch for “taking everyone under his wing” at Abu Dhabi. They are committed to winning the final after such a tremendous start: “It’s a long year. We intend to be part of it right to the end!”

The Longines League Of Nations series is open to teams from the nine highest ranked nations on the Longines Ranking List in 2024 as well as the reigning Longines League of NationsTM Final title holders. As winners of the 2024 Final and of the opening leg in Abu Dhabi last year, Germany were amongst the favourites to take victory here this afternoon. These ten nations were joined by the UAE, invited to compete in this leg of the series as host nation.

Ireland now head to next month’s second leg in Ocala, USA on top of the league table, and hoping to score a repeat of their 2024 win at the American venue in the debut season of the new FEI flagship series.

BREEDING

HHS Los Angeles (ISH) – 2014 mare by Le Roi (ZDP) out of China Cavalier (ISH) by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Breeder: Marion Hughes. Owner: Bravo Hughes Ltd. Rider: Michael Pender (IRL).

BBS McGregor (ISH) – 2012 gelding by Cardento (HOLST) out of Random Chance (ISH) by Mark Twain (TB). Breeder Marguerite Ryan, Co. Kilkenny. Owner Al Shira’aa Stables. Rider Abdullah Mohd Al Marri