Eleven teams lined up, but it quickly developed into a two-way duel between France and Ireland as the clear rounds began to stack up for the two nations, with both finishing Round 1 on 0 faults.

France struck early with their first athlete on course, Olivier Perreau (FRA) riding the home-bred GL Events Dorai d’Aiguilly, who threw down the gauntlet as the first combination to deliver a clear for the competition. 

The stage was set for ‘les Bleus’, who looked sharp and focused from the outset. Clears followed for series first-timer Nicolas Sers riding Eleven de Riverland and anchor athlete Simon Delestre aboard the aptly named Golden Boy DK. Rising star Jeanne Sadran and the stunning stallion Dexter de Kerglenn were the only French combination to add faults to the tally when they knocked fence 4a.

Ireland answered in kind. Trevor Breen and Highland President produced a vital clear which set the ball rolling, before 21-year-old Niamh McEvoy and Olympic ‘GL’ ‘FVD’ delivered again for the Emerald Isle. Shane Breen and BP Arctic Blue followed suit. 

With three clears on the board, Ireland were in the enviable position of not needing to send their fourth combination in Round 1. Newly appointed Chef d’Equipe Jessica Kürten took the strategic decision to spare Michael Pender and HHS Los Angeles.

“The reason we decided not to send him is actually to save his horse, and because the two of them have the experience. It’s a great position to be in, but in a competition like this, it’s quite a tricky one.”

The home nation of the UAE were snapping at the heels of France and Ireland, heading into the second round in third place on four faults. Only the top eight teams moved through to the next round, with Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands missing out.

No discard

The margins were razor-thin heading into Round 2, with one fence separating the top four teams, and the pressure showed. Only three athletes per team returned, leaving no discard score in play.

The USA suffered an early blow when Skylar Wireman and Tornado were eliminated after two refusals, ending American hopes for a podium place. Germany, however, steadied themselves following a textbook clear from Daniel Deusser aboard Pepita van T Meulenhof BR, which saw them make a climb up the leaderboard. 

Ireland’s challenge began to unravel as faults crept onto the scoreboard, with all three athletes dropping rails as the pressure intensified. 

France seized the moment. Perreau and GL Events Dorai d’Aiguilly returned to deliver a second masterclass in precision, posting the competition’s first double clear in style; and with only one pole each for Delestre and Sers, France’s fate was sealed.

Victory

When asked how it felt to claim the first win of the season, Chef d’Equipe Edouard Coupérie praised his team’s composure under pressure.

“To be here, it’s such a good show and a good facility. I have a very professional team, so I am very happy today. Thanks to Olivier (Perreau), who was double clear. One of only four for the competition.”

With the victory fresh in mind and eyes already on Ocala (USA) in March, Coupérie has thought carefully about what comes next for the season ahead. 

“We are lucky to have so many top riders in France. I will change the team, and I will see after that how we go.”

Today’s result sees France top of the Longines League of Nations™ leaderboard on the maximum 100 points, with Germany in second on 90 points and Brazil third on 80. All eligible teams scored points today, with the UAE not eligible for series points.

Next stop for the Longines League of Nations™ 2026 series is Ocala (USA) next month, followed by the remaining qualifying legs in Rotterdam (NED) in June and Gassin-St Tropez (FRA) in September. At the conclusion of the four qualifying rounds, the top eight teams will head to the Final in Barcelona (ESP) in October.

FULL RESULTS