CHIO Aachen 2025: Team USA unbeatable in the Mercedes-Benz Nations’ Cup

CHIO Aachen 2025: Team USA unbeatable in the Mercedes-Benz Nations’ CupSeventh triumph for the U.S. on Aachen’s “Holy Grass”: Lillie Keenan and McLain Ward lead an unstoppable team

CHIO Aachen 2025 was painted red, white, and blue. For the seventh time in the history of the Mercedes-Benz Nations’ Cup, the “Star-Spangled Banner” rang out over the iconic “Holy Grass” in Aachen. With just 4 faults in total, Team USA claimed a decisive victory over Belgium (8 faults) and Great Britain (10 faults), proving themselves the standout force in what’s shaping up to be a historic week for American show jumping.

Lillie Keenan flawless with Argan de Beliard

Lillie Keenan delivered two textbook clear rounds with Argan de Beliard, a 15-year-old son of Mylord Carthago, earning the title of heroine of the night for the U.S. team. As the team’s pathfinder, she set the tone with her confident rides.
Her teammates distributed the remaining faults as follows:

• Kent Farrington and Toulayna: clear in round one, 4 faults in round two;
• Laura Kraut with Bisquetta and McLain Ward with Imperial HBF: both had 4 faults in the first round and jumped clear in the second.

Team Chef d’Équipe Robert Ridland summed it up with a smile:

“For us, Aachen is the Mecca of show jumping. It was easy to pick the team – I just went down the ranking list. They’re all in the top 5. That’s all I need to say. That’s what we came here for.”

His winning strategy? Simple and effective: “Keep the jumps up and don’t fall at the water.”
And that’s exactly what they did.

Ward sets his sights on the Grand Prix: “This time it’s mine”

It was a second win of the week for McLain Ward, who had already claimed victory in the STAWAG-Prize and now has his sights firmly set on Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix:

“This place is hallowed ground for me. It’s the pinnacle of our sport. The atmosphere, the crowd – nothing compares. I’ve been on two winning Nations Cup teams here before, then came a long dry spell… So it feels great to be back on top. And this year, I’m going for the Grand Prix!”

With four U.S. wins in three days – including the two most prestigious classes – Team USA is unquestionably the one to beat at this year’s CHIO Aachen.

Belgium and Great Britain take the podium with pride

Peter Weinberg, Chef d’Équipe for Belgium, praised his team’s efforts:

“It was an incredible night – we came very close in the end. But the Americans were fantastic. I’m proud of our team – they gave it everything.”
The Belgian line-up featured Jos Verlooy with Parise van den Dael (4/8), Emilie Conter with Portobella van de Fruitkorf (0/4), Abdel Said with Bonne Amie (18/0), and Gregory Wathelet with Bond Jamesbond de Hay, who jumped a brilliant double clear.

Team Great Britain, on the Nations’ Cup podium for the third consecutive year and second time in a row in third place, took the result in stride.
Chef d’Équipe Di Lampard praised Aachen debutant Georgia Tame, who only picked up time faults with Be Golden Lynx:

“What a performance!”
Her teammates were Ben Maher with Dallas Vegas Batilly, who jumped double clear, Robert Whitaker with Vermento (8/9), and Scott Brash with Hello Jefferson (8/0).

Germany misses out on the podium

After a strong start, Team Germany faltered in the second round and finished fourth with 15 faults. The highlight came from Jana Wargers and Dorette, who delivered a clean sheet.
Less fortunate were Christian Kukuk with Cepano Baloubet (0/13), Hans-Dieter Dreher with Elysium (4/0), and Sophie Hinners with Iron Dames Combella (8/11).

Sport, lights, and emotion

The evening ended with a heartfelt message from Birgit Rosenberg, ALRV Board Member and CHIO Aachen’s Head of Sport:

“We can only set the stage – it’s up to the riders to bring the show. Thank you for the sport, and thank you to the fans. It was a fantastic night!”

CHIO Aachen 2025 once again proves itself as one of the world’s most thrilling and prestigious show jumping events. With the Rolex Grand Prix approaching, all eyes are on Team USA as they continue their incredible run and aim for the ultimate prize.

Full results

Photo: CHIO Aachen/Diana Wahl

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