Daniel Coyle wins Wellington Grand Prix

Derry’s Daniel Coyle was victorious in the four-star Grand Prix at Wellington last 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 in the jump-off, taking home first place with a time of 38.06 – almost one 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.

The four star Grand Prix concluded week 8 of the Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington, Florida which featured the FEI Nations Cup on Saturday night and where The Underwriting Exchange Irish Showjumping Team finished in third place. The Winter Equestrian Festival includes 12 weeks each season.

Irish athletes proved in top form elsewhere last night as Down’s Conor 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.