Ireland all out of luck as USA hold nerve in gripping Aga Khan battle

Americans take home coveted trophy thanks to winning by the narrowest margins in front of a captivated crowd at the RDS

RAISING THE ROOD: Denis Lynch of Ireland, competing on Vistogrand, during Aga Khan Day at the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS Arena in Dublin. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

The Irish showjumping team put in a belligerent performance to finish runners-up to the USA in a three-hour extravaganza of showjumping which went to the wire, with only one fence dividing the two countries as the Americans hoisted aloft the coveted gold Aga Khan Trophy.

Packed grandstands and a whirling breeze set the stage for The Underwriting Exchange Nations' Cup of Ireland with eight countries battling it out over a substantial track built by Alan Wade.