This weekend saw Army Equitation School rider Lt Michaeli Byrne take on the world’s best in the €1 million Rolex Grand Prix at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show. She delivered under immense pressure on home soil, and not only did her round showcase the talent of an Irish rider and Irish-bred horse, it made for thrilling sport, too.
29-year old Byrne and the 11 year-old Irish Sport Horse MSH Claregalway were one of only nine combinations from the start-list of 40 to jump clear in the first round and secure a place in the jump-off. Their first round was particularly impressive given the clear difficulty of the track, designed by Alan Wade, which featured 14 obstacles and 17 jumping efforts and caused many combinations issues.
Following some huge names into the ring for the second round, the pair were sure to be feeling the heat. But they didn’t let that affect performance, securing one of only four double clears and finishing in fourth place, behind Arne van Heel, Jordan Coyle and Steve Guerdat taking the win.
This result not only marks a career highlight for Byrne, but represents exactly what the Army Equitation School, which celebrates its centenary in 2026, has historically set out to do: showcase Irish riders and Irish horses on the international stage. MSH Claregalway is a Cornet Obolensky x Acobat II 11 year old mare bred by the Mullins family and has become Byrne’s leading horse. Their 2026 season has been particularly impressive, including a double clear for Ireland at Mannheim in the Longines EEF Nations Cup earlier in the year.
A very exciting combination, securing Ireland’s place at the heart of the world show jumping stage for years to come.
Watch Byrne’s nail-biting second round below, or catch up on all the action from Dublin on-demand here.