a day ago
Derry's Jordan Coyle grabs another win at Dublin Horse Show
Derry's Jordan Coyle scored his second win in as many days at the 2025 Dublin Horse Show, with a superb performance in today's Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes.
Riding the 14-year-old gelding Chaccolino, Coyle was one of six riders to make it into the jump-off.
His second round clear in 37.19 seconds proved unbeatable, with American world number eight McLain Ward and Imperial HBF taking runner-up spot in 38.56, while Brazil's Rodrigo Pessoa recorded his second podium finish of the week, taking third place with Major Tom.
Tipperary's Tom Wachman earlier warmed-up for Friday's Aga Khan with a victory in the Anglesea Speed Stakes.
Wachman guided the nine-year-old mare Hawaii to the fastest clear in 69.51 seconds, to finish just ahead of Switzerland's Bryan Balsiger in second with Fais Toi Belle du Seigneur Pleville (69.65), while Denis Lynch finished third with Katja (70.10).
Irish riders have now taken victory in four of the five international competitions so far at the Dublin Horse Show and will be hoping that winning form continues on Friday for the team, who have been drawn fifth to jump in the Nations Cup of Ireland for the famous Aga Khan trophy.
The Netherlands will be the pathfinders followed by Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Great Britain, Mexico and defending champions USA.
Team manager Michael Blake has named a four-man team of Tipperary's Denis Lynch with Vistogrand, Tipperary's Tom Wachman with Tabasco De Toxandria Z, Kilkenny's Seamus Hughes Kennedy with ESI Rocky (ISH) and Meath's Cian O'Connor with Bentley De Sury.
For Wachman, his Aga Khan appearance comes 10 years after his first jumped in the famous Ballsbridge arena in 2015 in the 12.2 pony competition.
"That's probably my first real memory. It's a great class, always scheduled after the Aga Khan. There's usually a good crowd for it, and it's very fast and competitive," the 20-year-old recalls.
"It's a home show, with a big crowd here, and everyone's supporting the Irish. You meet a lot of people you mightn't see all year, but you meet them in Dublin—that's how it has always been since I started coming here. It's a special week, and I always look forward to it."
Ireland's last Aga Khan win came in 2022 and they go in search of what would be their 25th Aga Khan victory in front of their home fans.
