2026 Aachen Diaries: Wednesday - First Looks & Big Predictions

The horses are here, the course has been walked and the World Championships are underway in Aachen.

Nicole is joined by owner Pete Cattell from the heart of the action to talk about what it means to have a horse representing Ireland at a championship like this, the strength of the teams lining up and a cross country course that could have a huge say in who leaves Aachen with a medal.

We also get a first look at some of the biggest names of the week, with fischerChipmunk, London 52, Lordships Graffalo and JL Dublin all catching the eye. Nicole catches up with Tilly Hughes and Adam Short, the grooms behind two of the championship favourites, to hear how London 52 and JL Dublin have settled in and what life inside the British camp looks like ahead of the competition.

Plus, Brayden Lissington takes us inside the New Zealand camp as Sam Lissington prepares to compete as an individual with Lord Seekonig, Eventing Manager teams are being locked in and there are plenty of podium predictions flying around.

Highlights • First impressions of the Aachen cross country course • Why time could be so influential on Saturday • The championship favourites looking ready to go • Inside the British camp with Tilly Hughes and Adam Short • Pete Cattell on having MGH Zabaione at a World Championship • Brayden Lissington on Sam and the New Zealand camp • Team and individual podium predictions • The race to become Eventing Manager World Champion

Guests

Pete Cattell is a longtime event horse owner whose horses have competed at the highest level of the sport. He is at Aachen with MGH Zabaione, ridden by Pádraig McCarthy for Ireland.

Tilly Hughes is the groom of Laura Collett's London 52.

Adam Short is the groom of Tom McEwen's JL Dublin.

Brayden Lissington joins us from inside the New Zealand camp, where Sam Lissington is competing as an individual with Lord Seekonig.

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