Thermal, California, USA – December 12, 2022 – Ireland’s anthem played once again at the close of the $40,000 El Cristiano Grand Prix CSI 2* as Jordan Coyle (IRL) took top honors with Costa Diam, another bay mare, once again. The pair has been on a roll at the CSI 2* level, and Saturday morning was no exception to their excellence.

“She hasn’t had a jump down in two weeks,” he said of the Elan Farm’s 10-year-old Selle Français mare (Componist Champblanc x Allegreto). “She won today, she won the qualifier, and I went too slow last week in the Grand Prix and was third. She’s been good.”

When Coyle got the ride on Costa Diam, she hadn’t recorded a win yet, but he saw the potential in her. “When I got her I thought if I could make her believe she was a winner – and she is ultra careful – she’d go on to win at a bigger level. And I’m sure she will,” he said.

When asked what he likes about DIHP, Coyle responded, “Everything actually. I really liked that grass field. For sure the horses jump better on it. Every year I come back – this is my third year now – there are always improvements, which is nice to see.”

Kyle King (USA) claimed another second-place finish aboard SIG Chiari (Cristallo II x Landadel), owned by SIG International, leaving all the poles up for no penalties in their two performances, the decisive one in 33.43 seconds.

Laura Hite (USA) in third aboard Calypso V/D Zuuthoeve (Otangelo x Thunder vd Zuuthoeve) matching the double clear of the previous two combinationsand completing the jump-off course in 34.05 seconds.

Final Results – $40,000 El Cristiano Grand Prix CSI 2*

1) Jordan Coyle (IRL) & Costa Diam – 0 / 0 – 32.30

2) Kyle King (USA) & SIG Chiari – 0 / 0 – 33.43

3) Laura Hite (USA) & Calypso vd Zuuthoeve – 0 / 0 – 34.05

Source: Press Release by Tori Bilas for Desert International Horse Park (DIHP)

Photo: © ESI Photography

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