Coyle claims his second Dublin Horse Show win as Ireland drawn fifth to jump in Aga Khan
Derry’s Jordan Coyle scored his second win in as many day’s at the Dublin Horse Show, with a superb performance in today’s (Thursday) Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes. Riding the 14-year-old gelding Chaccolino, Coyle was one of six riders to make it into the jump-off. His second round clear in 37.19 seconds proved unbeatable, with American World No.8 McLain Ward and Imperial HBF taking runner-up spot in 38.56, while Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa recorded his second podium finish of the week, with a third place finish aboard Major Tom.
Tipperary’s Tom Wachman earlier warmed-up for Friday’s Aga Khan with a victory in the Anglesea Speed Stakes. Wachman guided the 9-year-old mare Hawaii to the fastest clear in 69.51 seconds, to finish just ahead of Switzerland’s Bryan Balsiger in second with Fais Toi Belle du Seigneur Pleville (69.65), while Denis Lynch finished third with Katja (70.10).
Irish riders have now taken victory in four of the five international competitions so far at the 2025 Dublin Horse Show and will be hoping that winning form continues on Friday for the Irish team who have been drawn fifth to jump in the Nations Cup of Ireland for the famous Aga Khan trophy. The Netherlands will be the pathfinders followed by Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Great Britain, Mexico and defending champions The United States of America.
Team manager Michael Blake has named a four-man team of Tipperary’s Denis Lynch with Vistogrand, Tipperary’s Tom Wachman with Tabasco De Toxandria Z, Kilkenny’s Seamus Hughes Kennedy with ESI Rocky (ISH) and Meath’s Cian O’Connor with Bentley De Sury.
For 20-year-old Tom Wachman, his Aga Khan appearance comes 10 years after his first jumped in the famous Ballsbridge arena in 2015 in the 12.2 pony competition.
“That’s probably my first real memory. It’s a great class, always scheduled after the Aga Khan. There’s usually a good crowd for it, and it’s very fast and competitive,” he recalls.
“It’s a home show, with a big crowd here, and everyone’s supporting the Irish. You meet a lot of people you mightn’t see all year, but you meet them in Dublin—that’s how it has always been since I started coming here. It’s a special week, and I always look forward to it.”
The Dublin Horse Show now holds a key position in the Rolex Series, a collection of the most prestigious shows in equestrian sport and something Tom Wachman really appreciates.
“The Rolex Series label is amazing. It’s all the best shows on the calendar, very traditional, always with top competitors and great crowds. It’s super serious.”
Ireland’s last Aga Khan win came in 2022 and they go in search of what would be their 25th Aga Khan victory in front of their home fans. The competition gets underway at 3pm on Friday afternoon with live coverage on RTE 2 television and the RTE Player from 1.45pm.
BREEDING
ESI Rocky (ISH) gelding by Stakkato Gold (HANN) out of Clonaslea (BWP) by For Pleasure (HANN) Breeder: Ennisnag Stud owned by Clare Hughes ridden by Seamus Hughes-Kennedy.