The Royal Dublin Society has welcomed Rolex as the official timepiece and Grand Prix sponsor for the 2024 Dublin Horse Show.

The Rolex Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, August 18th, in the RDS Main Arena, and will offer a record prize fund of €500,000.

The Grand Prix at Dublin was first held in 1934 and has a rich history with some of the best riders in the world lifting the Irish Government Trophy such as Eddie Macken, John and Michael Whitaker, Nick Skelton, Jessica Kuerten, Lauren Hough, Cian O’Connor, Bertram Allen, Kent Farrington and Shane Breen.

Show Director, Pat Hanly commented: "As the 100th anniversary of International team jumping at Dublin approaches in 2026, the RDS is looking to the future of the Show and to the role the Society will play on the future of equestrianism.

"The RDS is committed to growing its Show and the sport, by bringing the best riders in the world - and top-level international competition - to Ireland. And working with committed, like-minded and high-level sponsors such as Rolex is fundamental in achieving this.

"A major aspect of delivering this goal will see the RDS focus on its campus masterplan and the development of the Anglesea Stand to future proof the famous showgrounds for equestrian sport."

League of Nations

The sponsorship deal follows news revealed last August that the much-loved Aga Khan Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show will not be part of the new Longines League of Nations for the 2024-2027 seasons.

The Longines League of Nations (LLN) was created following a six-month consultation phase to review and redefine the iconic Nations Cup series. It replaces the Longines FEI Nations Cup series which, until this year, took place at 10 venues across the globe, including the final qualifier at the Dublin Horse Show.

The venues for the new League of Nations for the 2023-2027 seasons will be Abu Dhabi (UAE), Ocala (USA), St Gallen (SUI), Rotterdam (NED), with the final taking place in Barcelona, Spain.

However, this does not signal the end of the famous Aga Khan at the Dublin Horse Show, which will celebrate 100 years in 2026. It is understood the Aga Khan Nations Cup will still be taking place, as usual, on Friday in the Main Arena.

RDS history

As one of Ireland’s largest sporting, social and family events, the RDS Dublin Horse Show is a highlight of the summer, each year welcoming over 110,000 visitors from Ireland and abroad. A celebration of Ireland’s affinity with the horse, the Dublin Horse Show provides one of the best grass competition surfaces in the world and the RDS is delighted to partner with Rolex in developing the sport into the future.