Coyle has his eye on the main prize after Tankard win

Derry’s Jordan Coyle clinched the win in this afternoon’s ClipMyHorse.TV Tankard, scooping the lion’s share of the €28,200 prize pot thanks to a speedy round from the 14-year-old For Gold. 

The pair’s 26.64sec time meant that they were able to sneak the win away from Great Britain’s Robert Whitaker and Vermento, who had held the lead throughout much of the 53-strong class. Now, Jordan will set his sights on Sunday’s Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup, the feature class of the show.

“He’s an amazing horse,” said Jordan. “He’s just back from Spruce Meadows, and he was unbelievable there. He won seven classes at that show, and this is his first class back – he’s feeling pretty good, I’d say.”

Today, he said: “I didn’t even think I was that fast – everything just came up in our stride. He’s naturally fast, so I never have to go chasing him anyway, but it was just one of those rounds that everything just happens for you. Those don’t happen all the time!”

If any horse will deliver them, though, it’s For Gold. “He’s got the most unbelievable heart,” said Jordan. “He wants to do it. He’s maybe not the most talented horse in the world, but by God, he wants to do it, and he loves to win as much as me.”

Millie Allen, 27, saw a long-held ambition come true when she took the win in the Royal International Vase. Riding the aptly-named Quick Diamant HR, their swift clear in 53.91sec saw them finish fastest of the 47 starters. 

“To get a win in that arena is always a dream, especially for a British rider,” said Millie, whose last victory here came some 15 years ago. 

“It’s my first time at the five-star, which is also a bit of a dream – when I was younger and competing here on ponies, we used to jump little jumps on foot in the garden and pretend we were doing the five-star classes, so it’s nice to come here and win!”

Scotland’s James Smith enjoyed a hugely successful week at last year’s Agria Royal International Horse Show, when he won three classes – and this year he has started the show in similarly successful style, taking top honours in this morning’s Brilliance Horse Auction Salver with Juno Rose 23.

“‘Rosie’, in particular, had a great show last year – she loves it here,” said James. “Last year was her first time at Hickstead, but she proved again today that she really enjoys it. She’s less than 16 hands, but she’s just naturally fast. She lands and she’s looking for the next jump, and you don’t have to do anything crazy – she just keeps travelling,” James said. 

This morning’s action got underway with the two-phase Irish Horse Board Amateur Championship, which was won by 19-year-old Bryony Jones and Billy Kvitfjell.

“It just means the world to me,” said Bryony, who trains with the horse’s owners, Simon and Abbie Crippen. “I had a fall on Tuesday, and after that he’s won every class – I can’t believe it. He’s been the most amazing horse for me all week.”

The Agria Royal International Horse Show takes place from 23-27 July. Tickets are available at the gate or online. The action will also be shown live on ClipMyHorse.TV.