THE USA won the Aga Khan Nations Cup, sponsored by the Elliott Group, for the ninth time on a thrilling afternoon of sport on Friday at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show. It was their second victory in three runnings after last winning in 2024.

The competition came down to the very last rider as the USA and Ireland went toe-to-toe the whole way through. In the end, it was a clear from Laura Kraut and four faults from Ireland’s Cian O’Connor that swung it in favour of the stars and stripes. USA were fulfilling their favourites tag after coming into the class with a 23% win chance, according to data analyst company EquiRatings, who had Ireland as third favourites on 18%.