Toronto, Canada – November 14, 2026 – Heading into the fall show season, Daniel Coyle (IRL) did not think the compact arenas in indoor venues would best suit his up-and-coming partner, Nord Face VDL. But he also thought the gelding could benefit immensely from the experience.

Bringing the striking bay along to the Royal Horse Show for the CSI 2* division proved to be a sage decision. The pair ended the week as the winners of the $35,000 Royal Grand Prix CSI 2*.

Besting a six-horse jump-off, the pair crossed the timers of Bernardo Costa Carbal’s (POR) shortened 1.45m course in 32.46 seconds. Nicole Walker (CAN) and Excellent B finished as runners-up (34.69 seconds), followed by Amy Millar (CAN) and Jelvinia MB (34.77s).

“He is only eight and he’s still learning, but we have high hopes for him,” Coyle said.

Coyle utilized the gelding’s tremendous stride to his advantage, leaving out a stride up the first line of the jump-off—something no one else even attempted—before finishing the track with swiftness and precision.

“The horse has a huge step and huge scope. That has actually been the hardest thing for us to [manage]. You want to do three strides in a short four, and you really shouldn’t do that,” Coyle shared. “The last two months, we’ve been saying that we need to first focus on doing all the right steps, and then the time allowed and other things will come. He’s a super horse, and I think he’ll figure it out.”

Ariel Grange acquired Nord Face VDL from the VDL Stud—a relationship that has brought Lothlorien Farm many talented horses, including Coyle’s five-star partner Farrel—last winter.

“Janko [van de Lageweg, co-owner of VDL Stud] told Ariel and myself, ‘This one is exciting to me,'” Coyle shared. “It worked out very well, and I’m lucky to have him.”

Final Results – $35,000 Royal Grand Prix CSI 2*

1) Daniel Coyle (IRL) & Nord Face VDL – 0 / 0 – 32.46

2) Nicole Walker (CAN) & Excellent B – 0 / 0 – 34.69

3) Amy Millar (CAN) & Jelvinia MB – 0 / 0 – 34.77

Source: Press Release from Catie Staszak Media for the Royal Horse Show – Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Photos: © Ben Radvanyi Photography

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