“It was a dream come true to come here and win,” he says enthusiastically. Surrounded by the sport’s biggest five-star names, Brennan is already imagining a future filled with major successes.

An unforgettable debut in Geneva

For Tim Brennan, Geneva was far more than just another show; it was a milestone. “It’s my first time here,” he confirms, beaming with pride. With just one horse, the talented mare Diadema Della Caccia (Diamant de Semilly), he made a striking impression. They won on Thursday and delivered another standout performance on Saturday, when she “jumped her heart out and tried so hard.”

Brennan, who only found out a week beforehand that he had been invited, admits: “I’ve never been that nervous, because she didn’t have much time to prepare. She wasn’t super fit, but she always gives everything in the ring. We have an amazing bond.”

His cousin Seamus Hughes Kennedy, who previously won the U25 classes in Geneva, served as inspiration. “It’s brilliant to follow in his footsteps. He’s doing really well at the moment,” Brennan says. Geneva, with its iconic Rolex Grand Prix, feels like an arena of dreams. “All the five-star riders are here, all my idols. I’d love to come back.”

A year filled with highlights

2025 has been a rollercoaster of success for Brennan. He lists the milestones with a mix of humility and excitement: “We had an incredible year. My team won five ranking classes, which is just fantastic.” It started in West Florida with two U25 Grand Prix victories. Back home in Ireland, he followed up with a win on the opening day of the two-star show in Mullingar. The European Championships for Young Riders brought team silver, and in Morocco he made his Senior Nations Cup debut for Ireland, a “big achievement” for him.

The true crown jewel? The four-star World Cup in Morocco. “That was definitely the highlight of the year. It was the biggest I’ve ever jumped, an absolutely amazing feeling.” Brennan’s mare Diadema Della Caccia has proven a reliable partner: “She’s always competitive, and I can trust her in the ring.”

Looking ahead: from Young Rider to senior star

With one more year of Young Rider eligibility in sight, Brennan has clear goals for 2026. “I’d love to go back to the Young Rider Europeans. A dream of mine is to win individual gold. I think I can do it if I keep working hard.” He is also hoping to compete at international shows in Dublin: “That would be really special.”

On the senior stage, the Nations Cup for Ireland is calling. “It’s a huge honour to wear the green jacket for your country. If I can do that again next year, that would be fantastic.” Brennan has a stable full of potential: “I have plenty of young horses, and my brother Eoin won the seven-year-olds in Lanaken this year. That horse is turning eight, so that’s perfect to build on.” Diadema remains his star: “She’s probably my best, and she’s ready for the highest level.”

Professional dreams and strong family ties

At 20, Brennan has already committed fully to a life in showjumping. “I left school two years ago and didn’t continue studying. It was always my dream to become a showjumper and compete at the top level.” He watches the five-star riders in Geneva with admiration: “I could watch them all day. If we keep working hard, I hope to be among them one day.”

His plans extend beyond the saddle. “A big part of this game is buying and selling horses. If I can learn that properly, along with producing and training…” He dreams of building his own stable, possibly together with his brother: “We’ll stay in showjumping, and if we can set up a business together, that would be lovely. A family thing.”

His trainer, Ger O’Neill, plays a crucial role. “He’s fantastic and has taught me so much. I hope to keep working with him.” And in five years’ time? “I hope I’m still riding and achieving my goals. I’d love to be jumping big classes, like the Rolex Grand Prix here. It’s very hard, but I hope one day I can jump a clear round in there.”

No success story is complete without a funny anecdote. Brennan laughs as he recalls Morocco: “We were maybe a little late coming back from the night before the Grand Prix. Not too late, but still.” He shared a room with teammate Rhys Williams. “The Grand Prix was in the afternoon, and he scared me. He woke me up and said, ‘We missed the Grand Prix!’ I jumped out of bed, but it was still morning. And then to go on and win… It was an amazing feeling, and we had so much fun in Morocco.”

Tim Brennan embodies the passion and determination of a rising talent. With his recent triumphs in Geneva as a springboard, the future looks bright for the young Irish rider. And who knows—perhaps we will soon see him lighting up that Rolex screen.