Ireland win Longines League Of Nations opener with commanding display in Abu Dhabi
The Irish Show Jumping team have made a winning start to the 2025 Longines League Of Nations season, after they secured a magnificent victory in today’s (Saturday) 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 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. “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.”
“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.
Said Michael Pender of his winning round: “I’m very happy. My horse jumped amazing.”
He 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.”
Michael 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!”
Ireland now head to next month’s second leg of the 2025 Longines League Of Nations 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