After the first round, the teams from the USA and Ireland shared the lead with zero penalty points each. Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden shared third place with eight penalty points each.

Thibeau Spits (BEL), European Young Riders Champion 2022, had Impress-K Van’t Kattenheye Z at the start in this Aga Khan. Belgium was provisionally in third place with a total of eight penalty points, just behind Ireland with eight penalty points. The oxer after the water threw her off balance a little, causing the bar to fall to the ground. With this jumping error, another point was deducted for the time, which could be a costly mistake for the team in the overall ranking.

In the end, it was a battle between Ireland and America. Cian O’Connor had the pressure on his shoulders for the Irish team, starting last on Fancy de Kergane, a relatively young horse. Ireland had a total of eight faults, behind the American team with just four faults. With a voice aid on the last oxer, he crossed the finish line faultless. A very satisfied O’Connor left the ring smiling, because Ireland still had a chance. This horse also remained twice faultless in Aachen.

Another combination. Mclain Ward and Callas performed brilliantly in the first round, but now all eyes were on them with the pressure of the team on their shoulders. They were swept away and headed for the finish line, the pair taking the win with ease.

Full results