The Irish quartet of Niall Talbot on Charming Dream, Harry Allen riding Edison de Hus, Seamus Hughes Kennedy with Cosmo and Mark McAuley aboard the nine-year-old stallion Rossi VD Heffinck combined brilliantly to secure victory ahead of Italy in second place and Switzerland in third.
The result marked an important breakthrough for the Irish team, delivering their first victory of the international season and continuing the momentum of an increasingly competitive 2026 Longines EEF Series campaign following earlier wins for Germany in Mannheim and Belgium in Lier.
Thirteen nations lined up for the first Region South qualifier in Bedizzole, including Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine, with the stunning Scuderia La Caccia venue providing a spectacular backdrop near the shores of Lake Garda.
The competition quickly developed into a battle between some of Europe’s strongest Nations Cup teams. Switzerland and Italy shared the lead after the opening round on a flawless score of zero, while Ireland remained firmly in contention heading into a pressure-filled second round.
Mark McAuley produced a crucial clear round aboard Rossi VD Heffinck to keep Ireland’s hopes alive before Italy answered immediately with another immaculate performance to force a jump-off in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
Ireland turned to Harry Allen and Edison de Hus for the deciding round- and the talented combination delivered emphatically. Having already jumped double clear during the Nations Cup competition, Allen produced a third flawless round of the day with remarkable composure and speed to secure the win. Italy’s hopes faded when Piergiorgio Bucci lowered an early rail in the jump-off, confirming Ireland’s triumph.
Chef d’equipe Jessica Kürten praised the Irish riders and horses following an outstanding collective performance. “I’m very proud of them. This is a really great, great team of riders and horses and I was delighted to be able to put this team together to come here to Bedizzole,” said Kürten.