Derry’s Jordan Coyle has his eye on the main prize after Hickstead win

Derry’s Jordan Coyle clinched the win in Thursday afternoon’s ClipMyHorse.TV Tankard at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, 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 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.”

“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.

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“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.”