The NetJets US Jumping Team finished on top of the podium at the end of the FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Ireland, winning the Aga Khan Trophy. The US team, consisting of Lucy Davis, Spencer Smith, Aaron Vale and McLain Ward, posted strong team results in both rounds of competition to take first place overall. They finished with a team score of 4 faults, while Ireland finished second with 8 faults and Great Britain finished third with 12 faults. This is the US Jumping Team’s third win at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Ireland CSIO5* and their first win in Dublin since 2017.

“They were incredible. No question about it,” said team boss Robert Ridland. “Spencer started, McLain finished and the other two were fantastic. Spencer’s double clear right at the start takes the pressure off everyone, which is positive when everything is so competitive.”

“Lucy rides almost like she did four years ago before she took a break from the sport,” he continued. “She has fought her way back to that level and the more she gets to know this horse, the better the partnership will be.”

The USA finished first overall. Spencer Smith (Wellington, Florida), the team’s youngest athlete, was first on the course and was responsible for orientation on the course designed by Alan Wade (Ireland) on the historic Dublin Horse Show turf. Smith navigated Keeneland precisely through the course, securing another point for the team.

The next combination, Lucy Davis (Brooklyn, New York) on Ben 341, followed Smith’s clean round to compete as a team for the USA for the first time. Davis, an Olympian and silver medalist from the 2016 Rio Olympics, added a second clean round to the team’s total score, keeping it at zero.

Making their fourth appearance for the team at the European Nations Cup, Aaron Vale (Williston, Florida) and Carissimo 25 kept the team’s momentum going with a cautious, clear round. With the team already having completed three clear rounds, McLain Ward (Brewster, New York) and Callas did not have to jump the first round, but had to qualify for Sunday’s Grand Prix. The pair completed the fourth consecutive clear round for the team, securing first place overall.

Smith and Keeneland, an 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding owned by Ashland Farms and groomed by Nicole Mancini, began the second round for the USA as the last pair to return, with the international team order changed to the reverse order of standing. The pair crossed the finish clock in 70.33 seconds with all poles intact for their second clear run. In their two team appearances in 2024, Smith and Keeneland have posted clear rounds for the USA

With the pressure mounting, Davis and Ben 341, a 13-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by the Old Oak Group and groomed by Charlotte Oakes, had to keep up to keep Ireland and Great Britain at bay. The duo rode a near-flawless round, just touching the top bar on the final vertical and making 4 faults.

Vale and Carissimo 25, an 11-year-old Holstein gelding owned by the Carissimo Group and groomed by Nicky Cook, completed their second round in 72.13 seconds with a knockdown on the final oxer, giving the USA a minimum final score of 4.

The Irish team’s final clear round meant the USA were in a head-to-head battle for the winner. Ward and Callas, a 16-year-old Holstein mare owned by Beechwood Stables LLC and groomed by Virginie Casterman, put their experience to good use. The duo pulled off a challenging triple combination and line before the open water to score a clear round and secure the team a place at the top of the podium.

“There was a big surge here after the Olympics and everyone really stepped up,” Ridland said. “This is a special event and a Nations Cup like no other, so it feels good to win again. The crowd is incredible and so supportive of the U.S. team. It really is one of the best competitions in the world.”