Daniel Coyle on Farrel won the $100,000 Grand Prix CSI3* at the World Equestrian Center

Details: February 26, 2024; By Staff Writers

OCALA, Fla.--Daniel Coyle of Ireland on Farrel won the $100,000 Grand Prix CSI3* and was also third on Quintin over Aaron Vale on Obi Wan in a thrilling jump-off on Saturday, Feb. 24 at the World Equestrian Center.

Daniel oyle on Farrel Andrew Ryback Daniel Coyle on Farrel (Photo by Andrew Ryback)FEI Level III course designer, Peter Grant of Canada set the three-star course in the Grand Prix,, and 15 competitors from eight nations were clean to go on to the jump-off that turned into a back-to-back battle between the United States and Ireland.

Both Vale and Coyle had two in the jump-off, initiating a gripping fight between these two top riders.

Vale was the first rider to go clean and very fast on Prescott, finishing in 39.74 seconds to set the pace.

Several tried to beats Vale’s time, but it was Coyle who rose to the challenge with his first ride, Quintin, stopping the clock nearly a second faster at 38.52 seconds.

VALE RETURNED on Obi Wan, determined to reclaim the lead.

“I came back on Obi Wan and gave it my best shot," he said. "Turning to the last, I was hoping to find a loose forward jump to that big red vertical, but I couldn’t force it to happen, so I had to wait and jump it.”

Vale still proved to be quicker, finishing in 38.07 seconds to take back the lead.

Then Coyle went on Farrel.

“On Farrel, you can turn on half a stride," said Coyle. "He’s an amazing horse to turn back to a vertical. I galloped to one, and hoped everything came up good. I was really risky across the center to the liverpool, I couldn’t see the flags, and I stared death in the face and so did he, but he pricked his ears on it and jumped it. I’ve known Farrel for years, he’s had a few years off, but he’s very handy. After doing something like that, and turning back so tight to the second to last jump, I mean that’s all to do with the horse there. Aaron would have done the same thing. We both took risks, but at the end it comes back to the horse, and if you can nail it.”

Coyle crossed the timers nearly a second faster than Vale, finishing in 37.24 seconds, giving Coyle his third victory of the week and sixth win of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series.

As Coyle landed over the final fence, the crowd erupted in wild cheers.

“That’s the only part of the sport we get to interact with the crowd."said Coyle. "It’s usually just the horse, the owners and the people, so when they come out screaming and are having a great time, it makes it so special for us.”