THERE was an Irish whitewash in the first Global Champions League (GCL) individual competition at the five-star fixture at Miami Beach, when they claimed four of the top five places in the 24-strong 1.60m speed class last Friday. Derry’s Jordan Coyle claimed the top spot with the 15-year-old gelding For Gold, owned by the rider and Falkirk Farm, jumping clear in 68.52 seconds. Mayo’s Ciaran Nallon and the 10-year-old Casalla Blue PS finished just over two seconds behind to fill the runner-up position in 70.81, while Meath’s Cian O’Connor rode Kentucky TN into fourth place (78.64) and current world number seven Cork’s Shane Sweetnam on Pegina vd Bisschop placed fifth, recording the fastest time of the class, but incurring four faults. Thibault Philippaerts (BEL) and Lyandro MDB divided the Irish in third place (77.77). There were only four clear rounds in the class.

Five-star action moved to the incredible venue of Miami Beach for the opening leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) last week, with a number of Irish riders shining in the sun across classes from Friday until Sunday.