It all began with a magic moment back in early 1926 when two former antagonists who had become friends joined forces to create the first Aga Khan competition. Ireland’s first President W. T. Cosgrave and Judge William E. Wylie had seen military action on opposite sides in the 1916 Rising – Wylie defending Trinity Collage against the rebels and W.T. just one mile away as part of the rebel unit that took over South Union.

After it was all over, through their common love of the horse, the two men became friends.