Irish Show Jumping and Dressage riders in brilliant form around the globe

Ireland’s Show Jumping and Dressage athletes have been in superb form already this weekend, posting a string of impressive results in the USA, the Middle East and in Europe.

Daniel Coyle (IRL) and Legacy, winners of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2022/2023 North American League – Fort Worth, Texas (USA)

Before this weekend, Derry’s Daniel Coyle had already taken a Longines FEI Jumping World Cup win in Toronto (CAN) and a runner-up finish in Las Vegas (USA). Coyle added another World Cup Grand Prix victory on Saturday night at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth (USA) with the Ariel Grange-owned Legacy.

The pair came out on top after a three-horse jump-off, crossing the finish line clear in 31.47 seconds. McLain Ward (USA) and Callas settled for second (32.60), with Erynn Ballard (CAN) third (34.94).

“The way the sport has [evolved], you have to be able to go so fast,” Coyle explained. “In the beginning, [Legacy] was always fast, but she didn’t really understand what she was doing. As the night shows, you have to be able to do everything to beat [your competitors].”

Coyle has now assumed the lead in the North American World Cup standings with 66 points. Fellow Irishman Conor Swail (IRL), also with two victories this season, sits second (56 points), while Daniel Bluman (ISR) is third (54).

“I don’t know that being first or second or third in the league [standings] brings you anything when you get to the Finals,” Coyle said, “but it assures you get there, so that’s always good, too!” The North American League resumes on 28 January 2023 in Puebla (MEX) before concluding in March at Ocala (USA).

At Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Wexford’s Bertram Allen and the 8-year-old gelding Empoli de Champloue took a commanding victory in the five-star 1m60 Grand Prix. Seven combinations made it into the jump-off with Allen’s second round clear in 33.60 giving him over a second to spare over runner-up Abdullah Alsharbatly (KSA) and Kannabis van de Bucxtale.

Back in Europe at the London International Horse Show World Cup fixture in Britain, Conor Swail claimed a third place finish in the 1m55 jump-off class with Vital Chance de la Roque (SF). It was Swail’s third podium finish of the weekend so far in London, while Tipperary’s Trevor Breen recorded a victory on Friday in London with Jicarla T in the 1m45 speed class.

In the Dressage World Cup in London, Irish rider Abi Lyle and the 11-year-old gelding Giraldo posted an international personal best score of 75.250% for tenth place in the FEI Dressage World Cup Western European League Grand Prix Kür (Freestyle to Music) on Friday. World champion Charlotte Fry (GBR) and Glamourdale took victory with personal best score of 90.995%.
On Thursday, Abi Lyle and Giraldo scored 70.395% for seventh place in the FEI World Cup Short Grand Prix class.