Tom Wachman sets the pace for Ireland heading into Nations Cup

Heading into his first Nations Cup in Wellington this Saturday Night Lights, Ireland’s Tom Wachman warmed up with a $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup CSIO4* win aboard Coolmore Showjumping’s Obora’s Laura.

Setting the pace in the WEF Challenge Speed class – Tom Wachman and Coolmore Showjumping’s Obora’s Laura. Photo: Wellington International/Cassidy Klein

“She’s a very good mare, very competitive and it was a tough enough track. I’m delighted with the way she performed today,” he said.

Wellington International showgrounds has been a swirl of patriotism this week beginning with the Nations Cup jog at the FEI compound on Tuesday as eight nations are lined up for Saturday’s showdown under the lights.

Tom Wachman is hoping Saturday night’s theme tune will be the Irish anthem. Photo: Wellington International/Cassidy Klein

“I’m excited. I’ve never jumped with the team here before,” said Tom. “It’s always a great atmosphere. It’s competitive and there’s always plenty of support for the Irish, so I’m looking forward to it.” Tom will partner Do It Easy, having been selected to represent his country by Ireland’s chef d’équipe Jessica Kürten. “I was delighted Jessica Kürten selected me,” Tom said. “He’s [Do It Easy’s] had a good bit of form. He was very good in London, he won the Grand Prix, and he’s been good out here in America the last couple of weeks so hopefully he can jump two good rounds on Saturday night.”

Alongside Tom, Ireland fields an experienced lineup including his mentor and Olympic medalist Cian O’Connor with Ulysses, as well as Jordan Coyle riding Chaccdino and Shane Sweetnam with Rural Juror SCF.

Cian O’Connor competes for Ireland aboard Ulysses – the pair seen jumping here at WEF earlier this year. Photo: Sarah Eakin

Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Israel, Ireland, Mexico and the USA compete in the two-round competition. The USA claimed victory in 2025 and will be looking to repeat with this year’s team of Karl Cook, Marilyn Little, Callie Schott and McLain Ward. Ireland have won the Nations Cup at WEF five times in its 25-year history and will be among the favorites to do so again.

The home team’s anchorman McLain Ward pictured where with Castle Hill groom Ohla Kruglova and USA’s chef d’equipe Robert Ridland. Photo: Sarah Eakin

Tom who came home in a time of 66.24 seconds to win the WEF Challenge speed class – ahead of compatriot Darragh Kenny and Colibelle Hero Z in 67.18 and USA’s Jacob Pope and Highway FBH who stopped the clock on 68.06 to finish third – valued the victory as a prelude to Saturday’s Nations Cup.

“Obviously it’s a different horse but it’s good confidence for the rider and for everyone that you’re on a bit of form,” said Tom of his weekday win. “And then [we] just focus on Saturday night and try and do our best. I think we have a strong team so hopefully we can get something done.”

This could be interesting:

Kerins – an Irish family of showjumpers date back to the early days of Wellington