Daniel Coyle and Tienna Ph. © SEL Photography
Young Irish talent Daniel Coyle, who came to the United States just this past winter to ride for Lothlorien Farm in Wellington, FL, took the top two spots on Thursday, October 6th in the $35,000 Hollow Creek CSI3* Speed Cup at the Bourbon International Split Rock Jumping Tour in Lexington, KY.
Coyle rode Tienna (For Pleasure x Polydox), an eight-year-old mare owned by Susan Grange, to victory with a clear round in a blistering time of 57.74 seconds. With his second mount, Fortis Fortuna (Quidam De Revel x Carthago), also owned by Grange, he again turned in a faultless round crossing through the timers in 58.64 seconds, still a full four seconds faster than any other combination.
“It is my first time here and it’s a lovely show, it’s been very good for me,” said Coyle, 22. “I couldn’t be any happier.”
Alison Robitalle of Upperville, VA, rode Hoove’s LLC’s Sensation 21 (Welcome Sympatico x Acord II) to the third place position with a time of 62.83 seconds. Fourth place went back to Ireland as Richie Moloney and Slieveanorra (Voltaire x Flagmount Diamond), owned by Equinimity LLC crossed the timers at a time of 63.25 seconds, leaving Coyle to dominate over the top placings.
“The horse that won is only eight and she has only jumped a handful of 1.45 meter classes and I think she will be a very good horse in the future,” commented Coyle. “And the other horse is just as good. I knew when I jumped that I had a very good round and everything just seemed to come up very nicely for me and the horse jumped amazing. I couldn’t be happier with both horses. I’ve only had the mare since Florida and I’ve had the other only since Spruce Meadows, but I seem to get on well with them. I’ve had a great day!”
The Split Rock Jumping Tour’s Bourbon International CSI 3* runs October 5-9 culminating with the $130,000 CSI 3* Grand Prix Presented by Split Rock Farm on Sunday, October 9th at 2:00 pm.
View results of Thursday’s $35,000 Hollow Creek CSI3* Speed Cup here