Thrilling Showdown in the Longines League of Nations™ as Team Ireland Claims Victory

The first Longines League of Nations™ (LLN) qualifier of 2025 kicked off the season in thrilling fashion at the Emirates Jumping Cup, as the world’s top show jumping nations went head-to-head in Abu Dhabi. With €700,000 on the line, the ten qualified nations, joined by host team UAE, faced off over a technical 1.60m course designed by Santiago Varela (ESP), setting the tone for an intense LLN season ahead.

After the first round, the field narrowed to the top eight teams, with France, the United Arab Emirates, and Ireland leading the charge on a faultless scorecard. Meanwhile, the Netherlands, USA, and Sweden saw their LLN Abu Dhabi journey end early, while the remaining contenders carried faults ranging between eight and twelve into the second round.

As the stakes climbed in round two, Ireland delivered a masterclass in precision and consistency, with Denis Lynch, Trevor Breen, and Michael Pender all producing crucial clear rounds to secure victory on their path to the LLN Final in October. Host nation UAE thrilled the home crowd, finishing second on a total of eight faults, buoyed by flawless performances from Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi and Abdullah Al Marri. France rounded out the podium in third place with 12 faults.

“We’ve been to a lot of Nations Cups, and winning on zero is pretty hard to do,” said Ireland’s Chef d’Équipe, Michael Blake. “When you have a top technical course, and it’s early in the year, it means your riders go out there and haven’t made a single mistake all day.”

Rider Trevor Breen, who’s back on top form following a fall last year that left him hospitalised, added: “It’s been a strange year, but with support from my wife Caroline, her parents, and of course my kids, I’m back, competing again. I didn’t call Michael early to talk about the LLN, as I didn’t expect to be back so soon, but I’m grateful for the trust and to be on the team with these lads.”

William Funnel, Chef d’Équipe of the UAE team, commented that the team had developed a great deal over the past year and has plans to compete in Rome and Falsterbo, and will be heading to Hickstead to give Team GB a run for their money!

The day began with the CSICh Cavalor Children’s Cup, where young Emirati talent Khaled Ahmad Khalifa Al Ayali Al Mheiri and Urtimack des Abbayes stole the show with a lightning-fast, faultless round in 19.97s, securing victory ahead of Bahrain’s Abdulla Mohamed Nedham Mohamed aboard Espoir des Forets (21.28s). India’s Mysha Khan and Clinturo, yesterday’s winners, put in another strong performance to claim third in 21.48s.

Next, the CSIJ Al Forsan International Sports Resort Cup saw another impressive triumph for Layth Ghrayeb of Syria and Elite de Ponts, who clinched the win in 18.38s. Emirati rider Mohamed Majed Sultan Al Awani Alnuaimi and Doolin Bay OLD secured second place (19.76s), while Noora Abdulrahman Saif Jasim Alshamsi (UAE) took third with a steady clear in 23.68s.

Ahead of the LLN competition, the crowds were immersed into Emirati culture with flag bearers atop traditionally adorned Arabian horses, a tent pegging demonstration and a showcase featuring camels, Salukis and falcons. Then, the 11 participating nations made a spectacular entrance, with the team Chef d’Équipe’s swapping their usual mounts for camels in a one-of-a-kind parade that celebrated and captured the essence of Emirati heritage.

Between rounds, the Z7 show horses returned to captivate the crowd with a breathtaking liberty performance, blending artistry and horsemanship in a moving display of trust and harmony. 

As night fell in Abu Dhabi, the CSIO5* Al Shira’aa Challenge brought the Emirates Jumping Cup to a close. The 1.50m class with a €105,000 prize fund saw elite riders return for one last showdown to close four days of top-tier international competition. Germany’s Jörne Sprehe jumped Toys to a win with a double clear in a time of 43.53s. Italian rider Giacomo Casadei followed in second place, riding Corradiena van’t Klein Asdonkz, also double clear but in a slower time of 46.64s. Belgian rider Rik Hemeryck finished in third place on Caristello JPZ, stopping the clock in 51.58s. 

Last Updated on 5 days by News Desk 1