Daniel Coyle Takes First and Second in First Major Class at The Bourbon International CSI 3*

Daniel Coyle and Tienna (Photo: SEL Photography)

Lexington, KY - Ireland's Daniel Coyle is very happy he decided to seek fame and fortune in the United States after placing first and second out of a starting field of 50 entries in the $35,000 Hollow Creek CSI 3* Speed Cup at the Bourbon International CSI 3* held as part of the Split Rock Jumping Tour.

Coyle rode Tienna, 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, also owned by Grange, he again turned in a faultless round but was almost a second slower, crossing through the timers in 58.64 seconds, still a full four seconds faster than anyone else.

Ashley Falk and Borsalino Birdavenue (Photo: SEL Photography)

"It is my first time here and it's a lovely show, it's been very good for me," said Coyle, 22, in his heavy Irish brogue. "I couldn't be any happier. 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. 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 her and with the other horse. 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!"

Alison Robitalle, Upperville, VA, rode Hooves LLC's Sensation 21 to third place behind Coyle with a time of 62.83, breaking the Irish hold on the top placings. Fourth place, however, went back to Ireland as Richie Moloney and Slieveanorra, owned by Equinimity LLC, took home that placing in a time of 63.25.

Ashley Falk, Gurney, IL, and her Borsalino Birdavenue started the day off by winning the $2,000 Child/Adult 1.10 Meter Jumper class. With a clear first round score, she was the only rider to successfully negotiate the jump-off round penalty-free for the win.

Natalie Thornell and Coeur De Semilly (Photo: SEL Photography)

Seventeen-year-old Natalie Thornell, who hails from Loveland, OH, and Coeur De Semilly, owned by Loveland Equine Investments, came away with the win in the $2,000 VisitLEX Junior/Amateur 1.30 Meter Jumper class. It was the first visit by Natalie to Split Rock and it was the first win for the pair making this a very special event.

"I love the relaxed feel at this horse show," said a beaming Thornell. "I have not even been here a whole day, I got here last night. I love how you only have one ring so you aren't rushed. It's really a good atmosphere. Usually my sister is showing in the hunter division so my parents are running back and forth. It's great not to have the distraction."

The Split Rock Jumping Tour's Bourbon International CSI 3* runs October 5-9 and features world-class show jumping competition every day, and culminating with the $130,000 CSI 3* Grand Prix Presented by Split Rock Farm on Sunday, October 9th at 2:00 pm.

For more information please contact Split Rock Jumping Tour by calling 859-252-3247 or e-mail us at info@splitrockjumpingtour.com or visit our website at splitrockjumpingtour.com.