DERRY’s Daniel Coyle has continued his excellent form at the five-star Canadian show in Langley, by taking victory in Saturday’s $36,500 tbird Cup with the Ariel Grange-owned Cita.

This week marked the first outing for the 13-year-old mare since September. The penultimate pair to contest the six-horse jump-off, Coyle and Cita posted a time that could not be beaten, crossing the line in 38.03 seconds. First to go in the jump-off, Karrie Rufer (USA) and Georgine d’Auvray EC finished second (39.93 seconds), while Daniel Coyle’s brother Jordan finished third with Picador in 40.85 seconds.

“If you asked her for everything, she’ll always give it to you,” Coyle said of Cita, “but I knew I had Patricio behind me, and he was going to be very fast. I said, ‘Okay, I’ll be as fast as I can,’ but at the same time, she has to have a lot of fun. She’s that age. She’s not that old, but she’s older, and if a horse that’s older doesn’t enjoy herself, she’s not going to have much time left.”

“I had [Irish Chef d’Equipe] Michael Blake at the gate, and he said that I could do eight strides on a straight [path] from [fences] one to two,” Coyle explained. “Once I had that done, the rest of the round was just about being neat and tidy. [Cita] is incredibly quick anyway. She has such a big stride for a smaller horse. I didn’t really see Karrie and wasn’t sure if beat her, but I’m happy!”

Also on Saturday, at Tryon three-star show in North Carolina, USA, Co Clare’s David Blake landed a runner-up finish in the $132,000 Ingles Grand Prix. Riding the Pine Hollow Farm-owned Keoki, Blake crossed the line clear in 42.27, with victory going to Lacey Gilbertson (USA) and Baloppi in 38.65.

Team named

Irish development team manager Michael Blake has named his team for tonight’s five-star Canadian Nations Cup at Langley.

Ireland have been drawn second to jump of five teams and line out as follows:

Derry’s Daniel Coyle with Farrell – owned by Ariel Grange

Meath’s Jonathan Corrigan with Loughnavatta Indigo (ISH) – owned by Horse Orchard LLC

Derry’s Jordan Coyle with Eristov – owned by Elan Farm

Mayo’s Cormac Hanley with VDL Cartello – owned by Heathman Farm

The Canadian Nations Cup in Langley starts at 10pm Irish time and is live on FEITV

Source: Horse Sport Ireland press release.

The Irish Show Jumping team is sponsored by Devenish and The Underwriting Exchange

Equiline – Official athlete clothing supplier of Team Ireland Equestrian