DERRY’s Daniel Coyle claimed the biggest show jumping purse in the United States on Sunday, after he guided the Ariel Grange-owned Legacy to top spot in the Great American $500,000 Grand Prix at HITS Ocala in Florida.

A thrilling 10-horse jump-off featuring athletes from six countries, saw Coyle and Legacy post a winning clear in a time of 38.52 seconds, with Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Risen finishing as runners-up in 39.14.

“I did my first ever five-star Nations Cup here many years ago, so I always have a good feeling about [HITS Ocala],” expressed Coyle. “Today I showed that. It’s an amazing big arena, with nice jumps, prize money and people come. It’s as good as [anywhere in the world]. My other horses weren’t going to plan [in Wellington] so I decided not to use Legacy. Jordan [Coyle] said there’s a very good class in Ocala, so I decided perfect, I’ll go there, and luckily I won!”

Rowan Willis (AUS) and Billy Guilder placed third, while Daniel Coyle’s older brother Jordan Coyle took fourth place with the Elan Farm-owned Ariso.

“I would say I had a big advantage today,” said Daniel. “I was third in the jump off, but already Jordan had as good a round as you probably could have, so that put pressure on me to go as fast as I could. Thankfully that paid off because if he hadn’t done that, I maybe wouldn’t have put as much pressure on myself!”

Results: Great American $500,000 Grand Prix

Horse / Rider / Country / Owner / Faults | Time

1. Legacy / Daniel Coyle / IRL / Ariel Grange / 0 | 38.526

2. Bull Run’s Risen / Kristen Vanderveen / USA/ Bull Run Jumpers Inc / 0 | 39. 148

3. Billy Guilder / Rowan Willis / AUS / Rowan Willis and Peter Moore / 0 | 39.520

4. Ariso / Jordan Coyle / IRL / Elan Farm / 0 | 39.998

5. Cellisto / Andre Thieme / GER / Andre Thieme / 0 | 40.006

6. Eddie Blue / Devin Ryan / USA / LL Show Jumpers, LLC / 0 | 41.154

7. Valentine Car / Sharn Wordley / NZL / Fernando Cardenas, Sr / 4 | 38.052

8. Fedor / Scott Keach / AUS / Southern Cross Equestrian, LLC / 4 | 44.607

9. Kayack / Cassio Rivetti / BRA / HF Farms LLC / 8 | 41.715

10. Hangover / Devin Ryan / USA / Sascha Abramson / 12 | 43.682