Irish rider Daniel Coyle, who is leading the North American League for the FEI World Cup Finals, is ready for a serious shot at the global indoor jumping championship in Omaha next month.
He demonstrated his prowess on Sunday in the Winter Equestrian Festival’s $226,000 CSIO 4-star grand prix presented by JTWG Inc.
Daniel Coyle and Ivory TCS in the jump-off. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Only four riders from a field of 43 managed to make it to the jump-off over a course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio, and just two of those—Daniel on Ivory TCS and the USA’s Lacey Gilbertson with Karlin Van ‘T Vennehof—were fault-free in the tiebreaker, which had no related distances. Daniel’s time of 38.06 seconds could not be beaten by Lacey, who gave it a good try in 39.30.
The Canadian-based rider has long had his eye on the big prize, the World Cup. He qualified as the North American leader in 2020 for the final, which was supposed to be held in Las Vegas, but it was cancelled by Covid. So he’s really looking forward to this year’s renewal.
“I have great depth in the string (of horses) and I think for the World Cup Finals, we need that. We set out this year as a plan to go there and do well,” he said.
Daniel Coyle takes a victory lap (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Legacy, who won a qualifier, will be his number one horse for the Cup. Ivory, who he owns in partnership with Canadian Ariel Grange, might be number two (he’s allowed to take two mounts) but he suggested the stallion Gisbourne VDL also may be a candidate to help take the pressure off Legacy.
While the European Championships this summer will offer another chance to excel on the global stage, Daniel notes the World Cup is a unique opportunity at the highest level.
“It’s a different strategy, because all of those other major championships, you need to be on a team. Whereas at World Cup Finals, you don’t, it’s more a personal thing, you can do your own plan and it’s not part of a team.
“You never want to upset what is happening with a team but at a World Cup Finals, it’s all down to you and you alone,” explained Daniel.
He has had to work at being independent, noting “I think my best strength is being as strong as I can for me, and that usually is the best for the team. It took me a few years to figure that out. Trying not to do something wrong sometimes doesn’t help. Try and be the best person you can be for yourself, and everybody else–hopefully they can have the same idea.”
Ivory, known for her speed, was purchased by Daniel in partnership with Ariel at the VDL auction.
“I’m not wealthy enough to keep these horses, so I bought her to sell,” said Daniel, but fate intervened.
“A few people actually have tried her already and didn’t buy her, and I’m delighted they did not,” noted the mare’s rider moments after his victory gallop.
