JORDAN Coyle wrapped up an incredible week by being crowned the leading international rider after five wins and four second places – including in the Nations Cup and Rolex Grand Prix. Riding Chaccolino in the two feature classes, he never touched a pole.

Speaking to The Irish Field, Coyle said: “I’m based in America now but I’m a true Irish person. I love Ireland. I’m very thankful for what America has given me but I’m Irish through and through. Every time I come back here, I make it a priority to be my best, have the horses in as good a shape as possible, and we’re lucky that it seems to work out.”

His wins came on Wednesday in the Laya Arena Stakes (Cordiamo) and the Sport Ireland Classic (King Kannan GP); in Thursday’s Speed Derby (King Kannan GP); Friday’s seven/eight-year-old class (Ballyv Blake) and Saturday night’s Defender Puissance with Eristov who was retired after the class.

Jordan was visibly emotional after jumping double clear in Friday’s Aga Khan Nations Cup. “That caught me off course to be honest! Everyone around me was crying. The parents were there - what it obviously meant to them for both of us to jump clear. At that stage we also thought we were going to win! It was a bit emotional. I wouldn’t be an emotional person, but just goes to show you what that actually means.”

Jack Rush speeds to a relay victory

YOUNG Jack Rush teamed up with Dutch rider Lisa Nooren-Garofalo to thrill the crowd in the main arena on their way to winning Saturday’s 128cm pony/international riders pairs relay, sponsored by Horseware Ireland.

Rush, who had qualified for the show in the 128cm pony class, rode Hode Linthorst Ali B while Nooren-Garofalo partners Lewis PK and the pair posted a blistering fast combined time of 51.87 seconds. They saw off the combination of Kara McLaughlin (Linde Hoeve’s Ricardo) and Daniel Coyle (Uptown Christov) in second place. Third went to Taylor O’Neill (Shirsheen Cooley) who was partnered by Mikey Pender (HHS Flonix).

There was a frightening moment for Jack Dunphy who fell from his pony during the class. Screens were erected to give him privacy while the medics attended to him but updates from the show report he is recovering well.