Friday in Dublin had some ominous looking clouds that seemed to be threatening rain - but then the sun would break through and sighs of relief were heard around the grounds - Thursday night saw some heavy rain, which the main arena at Dublin could well have needed after a slightly dry and breezy spell but it did not need rain today - and the rain did hold off with the day turning out to be about as perfect as you could order for jumping one of the most presitigious Super League Samsung Nations Cup classes in the world - the Aga Khan Cup!

The current leaders of the Samsung Super League, the French have won the Aga Khan cup in 2002 and 2003 and if they were to win it today they would get to hold the Cup as their own for the three in a row - and being the League Leaders they were also the odds on favourites for this event - the Irish were sentimental favourites and certainly the locals were wishing for an Irish win.

Tom Hudson, commentator for Hickstead, was out walking the Aga Khan course when Brendan McArdle stopped him for an "on the field chat". Tom (pictured below left) was more than happy to say to the capacity crowd at the RDS today, when asked by Brendan "how does Dublin shape up to Hickstead?" - "oh Brendan, the main arena at Hickstead is 5 acres in size - the atmosphere here at Dublin is the best in the world" - and that is the truth!

The pageantry and ceremony surrounding the Aga Khan Cup is steeped in tradition and anyone who is not moved by it could be called "cold hearted"!

Before the ceremonial part of the event began the riders walked the course while Brendan McArdle walked the track with the reigning World Champion, Irish rider Dermott Lennon and they discussed, in depth Italian Course Designer Uliano Vezzani's (pictured below, NOT in top hat) course which gave some excellent insights into what lay ahead for the 8 teams.
Once the Course Walk was done it was time for the ceremonies to begin and they began with the Air Corps and Defence Forces pipe and brass bands leading in each team individually, saluting their flag and the many tens of thousands of people standing for each National Anthem which was played by the assembled bands. It is a spectacular sight for the spectators but many of the horses were less than impressed with the bagpipes,
which I understand were originally invented for no other reason than to frighten horses as they went to battle - and some of the horses today certainly didn't appreciate it - but I don't think there is a more moving sound or sight than a full bagpipe band with all in kilts.

The ever smiling Brendan McArdle, pictured right sharing a laugh with Dermott Lennon as they walk the course.

We understand that todays class was a total "sell out" and looking around the stands from our vantage spot this would ot come as a surprise -empty seats were not to be seen and standing room was also at a premium today!

The eight Samsumg Super League Teams competing are: The Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, France, USA, Italy, Ireland and Belgium.

Italy are currently sitting in last position with Ireland sitting in 7th prior to today's Aga Khan Cup.

The final round will be held in Barcelona in September and will carry double points.

This League consists of eight teams who jump the season, the last team on the leaderboard at the end of the season are relegated to the Nations Cup League and the winner of the Nations Cup League is upgraded to the Super League - ence the importance of who is sitting in last position.

Ireland need the win today to move up the ladder by gaining the valuable 10 points for winning. France are leading coming into this round with Germany and The Netherlands hot on their heels. Ireland is sitting in 7th position with Italy trailing badly at this point in time, so they would be coming into this round hoping for a marked improvement in their performance.

There are so many things whch make Dublin special in our eyes - and one of these is the "code of dress" for those officials on the field - the bowler hats and toppers and tails are seen everywhere and the ladies are dressed immaculately looking like they would be more at home in the Lobby of the magnificent 5* Four Seasons Hotel which is virtually on the RDS showgrounds, than on a jumping arena!

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