Four-star success for Coyle on good weekend for Irish show jumpers

Derry's Daniel Coyle was victorious in the four-star Grand Prix at Wellington, Florida on Sunday night.

Riding Ivory TCS, owned by Coyle himself and Ariel Grange, the combination were one of just four to make it into the jump-off from a field of over 40 starters.

Of the four, Coyle was one of only two clear rounds, taking home first place with a time of 38.06 seconds. That was almost a second faster than his nearest rival, America’s Lacey Gilbertson, who crossed the finish line in 39.03 seconds.

Another home rider, America’s McLain Ward, took third place with four faults and a time of 39.86 seconds.

The four-star Grand Prix concluded week eight of the Winter Equestrian Festival, which featured the FEI Nations Cup on Saturday night and where The Underwriting Exchange Irish show jumping feam finished in third place.

The Winter Equestrian Festival covers 12 weeks each season, with many of Ireland's top international riders basing themselves at the Florida festival for the duration of the festival.

It has proven to be a happy hunting ground again this year, with multiple successes and podium finishes for Irish riders, including Bertram Allen, Darragh Kenny, Conor Swail and Shane Sweetnam, as well Saturday night's Nations Cup podium finish.

Irish athletes proved in top form elsewhere last night as Down’s Swail placed second in the CSI3* at Thermal, California (USA) riding Theo 160.

Theo 160 is co-owned by Swail and Team Phillippaerts. Six combinations proceeded to the jump-off of the three-star Grand Prix, with three jumping clear.

Swail was pipped at the post by less than 0.5 of a second by Australia’s Katie Laurie.