DERRY’s Daniel Coyle (24) romped to victory in the $50,000 Hermès Under 25 Grand Prix Final during the penultimate week at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, last Sunday.
Riding the nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse CHS Krooze (Kroongraaf x Cruising), who was bred in Co Clare by Vincent O’Callaghan, Coyle was one of 30 to qualify for the prestigious final and was clear when last to go in the first round, making it a six-horse jump-off.
Last again against the clock, he galloped home in a time of 39.83 seconds, almost four seconds faster than Belgium’s Zoe Conter and Univers Du Vinnebus (0/0 43.52). Canada’s Alexanne Thibault was the only double clear in third place aboard Chacco Prime (0/0 44.70).
USA’s Ailish Cunniffe, daughter of Irishman Frank Cunniffe, was leading the Hermès Under 25 Grand Prix Series going into Sunday’s final and finished fifth with Baloucento 2 to secure the overall title.
“This is my last year in the Under 25 and I think the series has been incredible for me,” Coyle said afterwards. He started competing in the series four years ago. “Experiencing this format is a real help for when we’re older.”
Coyle brought CHS Krooze over from Ireland last December, where she was previously produced by Peter Smyth. “I didn’t expect her to be at this level already and that just proves that the Under 25 is a real good series for the horses as well.”
On the track, Coyle added: “For me, the toughest thing today was that it was a long way around with a 96-second time allowed. It’s not very often that that happens. I didn’t get to see any of the jump-off, but I was told it was very fast. I have also been told my horse is very fast and we found that to be true today.”
Cunniffe, who has in the past said she would like to declare for Ireland, was presented with a Hermès mini saddle, a $10,000 store credit to Hermès, as well as an invitation to compete in Europe.
“I’ve been competing in this series for five years now and it’s always been a goal of mine to win overall,” said the 21-year-old student. “I’ve always been taught that consistency is key, so being consistent and doing the same program, trying not to let the nerves get to you especially on days like today is important. I have a really special horse who loves all atmospheres, so I’m really lucky to have him.”
GALLAGHER PLACED
Lorcan Gallagher was best of the Irish in the four-star $209,000 Wellington Agricultural Services Grand Prix. First to go in the five-horse jump-off aboard the Dacantos Group’s Hunters Conlypso II, he faulted at the first part of the double to finish in fifth place. Victory went to Denmark’s Emil Hallundbaek with Chalisco.
The Irish Sport Horse mare MHS Attraction (Numero Uno x Diamant de Semilly) won Saturday night’s $134,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Jumper Series Final under Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya, who was making his comeback after a six-month recovery from ACL knee surgery.
Bred by Michael Brennan from Co Kilkenny, MHS Attraction was formerly ridden by Ireland’s Jenny Rankin. “From the first time I rode her, I thought she was really special,” said Moya of the nine-year- mare. “She was just in light work at home while I was out, but my people did a great job and that work paid off. She’s naturally very fast, has an unbelievable connection, and is always in front of you.”
After finishing sixth in the previous week’s Grand Prix, Aidan Killen put in another great performance with Andrea Vogel’s Fair Play to finish in fifth place, just one place ahead of Daniel Coyle with Farrel.