LAURA KRAUT OUTSHINES THE ELITE TO CLAIM THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX OF IRELAND
In an extraordinary display of technical difficulty, the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland at the 2025 Dublin Horse Show unfolded as one of the most punishing contests in recent memory. Alan Wade’s course - a relentless track of 14 obstacles and 17 efforts - proved an insurmountable puzzle for almost the entire field of 40 of the world’s elite showjumpers.
From Olympic champions and Rolex Testimonees to crowd favourites, the best in the sport fell victim to the design. In total, 26 starters finished with 4 to 12 faults, while 13 others elected to retire. For much of the afternoon, it appeared the RDS Main Arena would witness an unorthodox conclusion: a jump-off between the fastest four-fault riders.
Heavyweights like Richard Vogel, Harrie Smolders, and McLain Ward all saw their hopes dashed by falling rails, often at the very last fence. However, the narrative shifted dramatically when starter number 39, the legendary Laura Kraut, entered the ring. In a masterclass of composure and precision, Kraut and Bisquetta delivered the performance of the day, clearing the course in 73.97 seconds to record the first - and only - clear round of the Grand Prix.
When the final starter, Trevor Breen, elected to retire after a fault, Kraut was officially crowned the sole clear and the new champion. Her historic victory secured the €165,000 top prize. "To win this at my age, I am pretty tired," Kraut admitted. "It’s a dream come true; I have an amazing horse."
In the post-round press conference, the podium trio of Kraut, Rodrigo Pessoa, and Shane Sweetnam were unanimous in their praise, affirming the course was appropriately gauged for a five-star event. While some spectators argued the lack of a jump-off reduced the "thrill," the consensus among the experts was clear: a course designer’s priority is not to manufacture entertainment, but to craft a test that is technically rigorous and safe. The difficulty was not found in a single fence, but in a cumulative technicality distributed from start to finish. In Dublin, Alan Wade’s track did exactly what it was meant to do: it separated the good from the legendary. HT
The Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland at the Dublin Horse Show 2025 proved to be one of the most suspenseful and demanding showjumping contests in recent memory. The CSIO5* 1.60m Table A with Jump-Off course, 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 get-go, it was clear that this was an unorthodox Grand Prix. Faults fell thick and fast, with even the most experienced names unable to tame the track. Dutchman Kevin Jochems 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 points. Ireland’s first hope, Shane Sweetnam with James Kann Cruz, produced a fast round but also finished on 4 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.
By the halfway mark, the leaderboard was still led by riders carrying 4 faults. 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 her horse, 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 Standings — Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland
Laura Kraut (USA) – Bisquetta – 0 faults – 73.97
Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) – Dhalida – 4 faults – 73.61
Shane Sweetnam (IRL) – James Kann Cruz – 4 faults – 74.39
--ENDS--
Full results here
Main photo by HT
Secondary photos via Rolex Series Equestrian
Watch press conference here
See course design here
Photo Gallery
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