IT was another memorable week for Irish riders and breeders on the Florida circuit, with Christian Coyle the standout after beating off the challenge of first cousin Daniel to secure the $62,700 first prize in the weather-affected CSI4* Live Oak International Grand Prix presented by Lugano last Sunday night.

Live Oak was an excellent show for the Coyle crew from Derry, with Daniel having sampled success earlier in the week, as did the Olympian’s brother, Jordan. Jordan also claimed a valuable development class over the road in Ocala at the World Equestrian Center with Keep Me With You N.C (see report on facing page), with Daniel and wonder mare Legacy back in fifth.

But it was in the feature four-star class at Live Oak where Christian prevailed with the talented and extremely consistent mare Extravaganza Semilly (Jarnac x Heartbreaker), owned by Alexis Bodo.

Originally set for 2pm, the class was moved forward by an hour to accommodate the changing weather conditions at the 34th edition of Live Oak International.

“Thankfully, the sport takes place in nature,” said Olaf Peterson, course designer.

“We had to keep safety at the forefront, but the drainage was incredibly fast and, once we resumed, the first two horses jumped clear. It was a great decision.”

Six pairings made it through to the jump-off, after navigating the 16 obstacles without fault in the initial 1.60m test.

There were nine fences to clear in round two, but only Christian and his 11-year-old bay managed to leave them all up and that was good enough to claim the lion’s share of the $190,000 prize fund.

“I was lucky enough to go just before the weather broke in round one and jumped clear,” said Christian. “She gave a great effort (in the jump-off). I’ve always believed in this mare.”

Daniel Coyle and Ariel Grange’s Farrel were second. Coyle praised the ground staff for producing an immaculate surface following the deluge that caused a delay in proceedings and, while disappointed not to win, was satisfied to keep it in the family.

Good drainage

“When the weather broke today, I wasn’t sure it was going to be my day,” said Daniel. “At one point, it seemed impossible to jump. I walked into the arena a few times and thought, ‘This class can’t go’. But I have to say, the arena was incredible. It was underwater, and an hour later, we were jumping again.

“When I walked back in, I thought, ‘now Farrel has a chance’. I’m happy to have jumped clear in round one and with just one down in the jump-off, well, if I can’t win, it might as well be another Coyle.”

Coyle and Farrel (Cardento 933 x Stakkato) were actually the fastest combination in the tie-breaker with 44.02 seconds, but that one rail down meant they had to settle for the runner-up berth on this occasion.

The duo had been victorious earlier in the week, showcasing that pace once more when winning the 1.55m speed class on Friday night. They delivered with a clear round in 65.11 seconds, pipping Live Oak International co-president Chloe D Reid and Chelsea 179 by 0.16 of a second.

Third placed Will Simpson (USA), who rode Imar in Sunday’s Grand Prix, said the organising committee did an amazing job managing the weather and the footing. “It was an incredible day of sport,” he said. “And the grass fields here are second to none. I’ve always loved this show. We really have to keep these grass fields.” He went on to jokingly remark to the Coyles that “if I get a little more experience, you guys better watch out!”

The next best placed Irish riders in this class were Jordan Coyle and Jorisca (Dantos x Larino, owned by Ashford Farm BV), who finished ninth and Cian O’Connor riding Belvedere (Billy Congo x Pauldarys Romeo, owned by Paseo Farms LLC and bred by Daren Ward).

It was a good double on the day for the Coyle siblings, as Jordan also landed a four-star 1.40m class earlier on with Jorisca.