Wellington, Florida, USA – January 20, 2024 – The $32,000 Hermès 1.50m Classic CSI 3* shifted to the grass derby field at Equestrian Village for week two of the Winter Equestrian Festival. Forty-three competitors took to Olaf Petersen Jr’s course, with nine returning for the short track.
Of the return contenders, it was Ireland’s Jordan Coyle (IRL), and For Gold (For Fashion x Heraldik), owned by Falkirk Farm, LLC, who took the win. Fellow Irishman, Cian O’Connor, who ended up third, set a fast pace for Coyle to follow, completing the short track in 42.75 seconds with his mount Kilkenny (Cardento 933 x Guidam), owned by Susan Magnier.
Although Coyle didn’t have the win in mind today, he managed to knock nearly a second off O’Connor’s time, winning with a blazing 41.97 seconds. “This was his [For Gold’s] first show since November,” mentioned Coyle of the thirteen-year-old gelding. “My plan wasn’t to go crazy fast, as this is his first show back, but we did end up picking up a pretty quick pace. Each jump came up with that rhythm; he’s so talented, it all came together.”
Coyle not only recognizes For Gold’s talent, but admires it. “I’ve had him now for about ten months. He’s been nothing but incredible so far, I don’t know if I’ve ever had a horse like him,” admitted Coyle. “He’s unbelievably smart, for sure the smartest horse I’ve ever had. He has a great temperament about him; he focuses on getting over the jumps and the rest of him stays calm, whether that’s at home, in the warmup or in the ring. He’s all-around lovely to ride.”
Taking second place, between the two Irishmen on the podium, was USA’s Alison Robitaille (USA) , and Ester de Maugre (Vigo Cece x Ogano Sitte), owned by Alison Firestone, LLC. The pair separated the placings by just fractions of a second, coming in at a clear 42.16 seconds.
Final Results – $32,000 Hermès 1.50m Classic CSI 3*
1) Jordan Coyle (IRL) & For Gold – 0 / 0 – 41.97
2) Alison Robitaille (USA) & Ester de Maugre – 0 / 0 – 42.16
3) Cian O’Connor (IRL) & Kilkenny – 0 / 0 – 42.75
Source: Press Release from Wellington International
Photos: © Wellington International / Sportfot
Categories: CSI 3*, English, Jumper News Ireland, Wellington International
