DERRY’s Daniel Coyle has jumped to the top of the leaderboard in the North American league of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup with another win at Fort Worth in the USA last weekend.

After taking a World Cup win at Toronto, Canada and finishing second in Las Vegas (USA), Coyle won again Saturday night at the Will Rogers Coliseum with Legacy to ensure his place in the finals, due to take place in Omaha in April.

The pair bested a three-horse jump-off, crossing the timers of Anderson Lima’s short course in 31.47 seconds. USA’s McLain Ward, coming off the high of winning the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva a week earlier, settled for second (32.60) with Callas, while Canada’s Erynn Ballard placed third (34.94).

“Legacy had to learn to go fast, and thankfully now I think she’s one of the faster horses I have,” Coyle commented.

Winning rounds

Up until this year, he had placed an emphasis on making championship teams for Ireland, and he and Legacy represented the nation at both the 2021 European Championships and the 2022 FEI World Championships.

This year, he aimed to improve their jump-off prowess. He has seen his efforts rewarded, utilizing newfound gears Saturday to surpass a swift standard set by Ward. He and Legacy ultimately secured their victory over the final three fences.

“The way the sport has [evolved], you have to be able to go so fast,” Coyle added. “In the beginning, [Legacy] was always fast, but she didn’t really understand what she was doing. As the night shows, you have to be able to do everything to beat [your competitors].”

Coyle now leads the way with 66 points, ahead of compatriot Conor Swail, who also has two victories this season, 56 points. Isreal’s Daniel Bluman is third (54). “I don’t know that being first or second or third in the league [standings] brings you anything when you get to the Finals, but it assures you get there, so that’s always good, too!”

Earlier in the week, Coyle took the runner-up place aboard Ivory TCS in the $40,000 BetHorseSports.com 1.45m FEI Special two-phase class. The partnership was just pipped at the post, as they came home with nothing to add in a time of 30.77. Victory went to Erynn Ballard, who clocked 30.30 aboard Narcotique v/h Dingenshof.