Britain's Rachel Proudley took victory in the Defender Puissance at the Dublin Horse Shoe, her horse Easy Boy de Laubry Z clearing the 2.15m height with ease as Ireland's Paddy O'Donnell settled for second place.
Waterford's O'Donnell had ensured at least runners-up spot with Kilcorig Elysium showing tremendous heart to go clear in 2.10m. However, they wouldn't have a shot at the gold medal as O'Donnell concluded he couldn't ask any more of the Nigel Jackson-bred grey.
It was a historic victory for Proudley, the European U21 Individual gold medallist, who became the first female rider to win the Puissance in 61 years.
Rachel Proudley and the incredible Easy Boy De Laubry Z clear 2.15m - with room to spare - and the Pussiance title goes to Britain after an absorbing contest at the RDS.#RTEequestrian #DublinHorseShow pic.twitter.com/iOCKZkcW2x
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 9, 2025
There was glory for Ireland earlier on Saturday as Mikey Pender and HHS Fortune triumphed in the Royal Society Dublin Stakes.
Meanwhile, Niamh McEvoy announced herself in the senior ranks in style by bagging her maiden five-star victory in the prestigious Dublin Stakes with the talented ten-year-old Flora Du Mesnil.
The first round of the 1.50m class proved quite difficult and only seven combinations made it through to the jump-off. But when it came to a test of speed, the 21-year-old Tyrone athlete and her equine partner were head and shoulders above the rest, clocking a second clear in 35.75 seconds.
Aga Khan Trophy winner, Willem Greve was best of the rest with Pretty Woman Van't Paradijs, who stopped the clock well back on 37.08.
"I am really delighted," said McEvoy, who would follow up with victory in the four-year-old Mo Chroi National Championships with Rich And Royal and unleashes a plethora of young horses for the Ballypatrick operation tomorrow.
"It was a really special day and the horse was incredible so I’m totally delighted."
