Coyle gets nod for World Cup spot

THE Show Jumping Association of Ireland (SJAI) selectors have made the prudent decision to nominate Trevor Coyle ahead of Jessica Kürten for the Gothenburg World Cup Show in Sweden next week.

The Swedish show is the final leg on the Western European League and the selectors recognised that Coyle had the best chance of qualifying for the finals in Las Vegas (April 16-20).

The Armagh rider, who recently took over the ride on the US-based Beverley Farm Stud string of horses formerly ridden by American Ray Texel, lies in 14th place on the Western European League with 41 points. The top 18 riders, plus sixth-placed current World Cup champion Rodrigo Pessoa, qualify for the finals. On the face of it, Coyle is already Vegas-bound, much to the satisfaction to his employers, no doubt. Nevertheless, the selectors felt it was wise to give him every opportunity to guarantee qualification.