Coyle fires in five-star double at Dublin Horse Show

Westmeath star Francis Derwin opened the show with a scorching win in the Heathman Farm Speed Stakes

FLYING START: Jordan Coyle competes on Cordiamo in the Laya Arena Stakes during day one of the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show at the RDS. Picture:  Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

Derry ace Jordan Coyle, who has been named on Friday's five-man squad for the Elliott Group FEI Aga Khan Trophy, was toasting champagne twice in the owner's enclosure after making it a double day of success at the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show.

Coyle has excelled in North America and Mexico this year, sweeping up many prizes at Grand Prix and renowned as a speed specialist.

Westmeath star Francis Derwin (21) opened the show with a scorching win in the Heathman Farm Speed Stakes while Jordan Coyle stamped his mark on the silverware by claiming both the Laya Arena Stakes and the Sport Ireland Classic. 

Derwin was on fire as he led the way on the opening day of the event, exhibiting his usual class to win the Heathman Farm Speed Stakes by over two seconds. This was the second time he laid claim to the very same class having won as a 19-year-old in a similar consistent style two years ago.

Derwin and his father's mare Parvati Aeg couldn't be caught with their stunning clear in 54.21 despite Tipperary man Tom Wachman giving chase in 56.40 for second place.

It was an exciting start to the five-day showjumping extravaganza in front of the newly-opened lavish Laya Stadium where Derwin justified his selection after winning the Plusvital Premier Grand Prix at Tattersalls, Fairyhouse two weeks ago.

"It was a great win, I won the same class here two years ago. My mare Parvanti was in super form, I felt confident she would do well having won the Plus Vital GP recently. She took it in her stride and I am delighted," Derwin said. 

Derwin was equally delighted when his pal Tom Wachman of Coolmore Jumping and part of the Karlswood squad finished second with Obora's Laura.

Wachman is another of Ireland's young guns who has excelled globally this year.

Riding the mare Obora's Laura, Wachman gave chase to finish ahead of French rider Robin Lesqueren with Galax du Rouet whose time for third place was 57.21.

Wachman said: "I am delighted with Laura she's a super horse, and has been great for me. It's a nice start to the week. We had a good plan and it didn't take a whole lot out of her. I jump Kilkenny in the Cashel Palace Stakes (Thursday) and if he feels good I will take him in Sunday's Grand Prix." 

The Rolex Grand Prix this year at the Ballsbridge arena on Sunday has a hefty prize fund of one million euro.

Aga Khan team listed rider Coyle rocked the main arena with an opening day win when he claimed the Laya Arena Stakes on board Elan Farm's speedy 10-year-old gelding Cordiamo.

From 38 starters the Derry man brought the house down with cheers from his home fans and parents Eleanor and Fergal as he stopped the clock in 55.84

The Sport Ireland Classic was the final speed event of the day, with fences hoisted to 1.55m and a full entry of 55 riders. This time Coyle steered King Kannan into first place with an unstoppable time of 65.49. It was Kanturk ace Shane Sweetnam who challenged with a stunning clear in 66.97, just over a second slower to claim the runner-up slot to Coyle on the beautiful chestnut mare Pia Maria H, owned by himself and Seabrook. The ever-consistent Wachman and his European medal-winning horse Do It Easy lived up to his name and exhibited a fast pace to finish third in 67.99.