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.