DERRY’S Daniel Coyle has had another good week in Ocala. After winning the $117,000 Grand Prix qualifier the previous week, Coyle and Farrel placed third in Saturday night’s four-star $200,000 1.55m Grand Prix at the World Equestrian Centre in Ocala, Florida.
It was a very close competition, with the win going to Brian Moggre (USA) on MTM Vivre Le Reve, who jumped clear in 36.36. Another American, Aaron Vale on Gray’s Inn took second place in a time of 36.39, while Coyle’s time of 36.41 was good enough for third – just 0.05 seconds off the winner! Irish man Robert Blanchette on Chardonnay placed eighth in the class.
Coyle said afterwards: “Farrel has been great. Last year was his first year back, and he has proven himself. He’s like a pony—he’s careful, brave and easy. I’m very proud of him tonight.”
Ribbons
The latest four-star show at the World Equestrian Centre in Ocala, Florida was held last week, with show jumping commencing last Wednesday, February 19th.
Paul O’Shea on Imerald Van’t Voorhof made a good start when placing 10th in the four-star $1,000 1.40m two-phase class, while the four-star $32,000 1.45m two-phase special saw a one-two for Ireland, with Coyle taking the win on Lovely Boy P, followed by O’Shea on Squirt Gun in second place.
Two-star
In Thursday’s $1,000 1.35m Jumper class, Coyle rode VDL Nimrod ES into second place, while in the day’s two-star $32,000 1.45m speed class, O’Shea and Hellcat placed fifth, followed by Coyle on Daydream in 10th.
Coyle then placed seventh with Farrel in the four-star $117,000 1.50m Grand Prix qualifier, with O’Shea on Squirt Gun finishing ninth.
On Friday, the $1,500 1.45m Jumper class saw Coyle and Legacy finish in fifth place, with the rider then placing 10th in the two-star $32,000 Grand Prix qualifier on Daydream.
In the day’s four-star $32,000 1.45m Winning Round, O’Shea took the runner-up spot with Spy.
On Saturday, the two-star $10,000 1.40m speed class saw O’Shea and Valantus finish as runners-up, while in the four-star $32,000 1.45m speed class, Coyle on Lovely Boy P placed third.
In a great conclusion to the show, Sunday’s $15,000 1.40m Jumper Classic was won by Robert Blanchette on Coupis.