Coyle claims the top spot

Riding through torrential rain at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Florida, Ireland’s Daniel Coyle and Cita produced the only double clear round of the competition to claim the $384,000 five-star Grand Prix in the early hours of Sunday morning – while Irish show jumping team manager Rodrigo Pessoa took runner-up spot on the podium.

Despite the relentless and challenging weather conditions, six riders made it into the jump-off, over the course designed by Tipperary’s Alan Wade.

Coyle and Cita were second last to go against the clock and they recorded what proved to be the only double clear round in a time of 42.51 seconds.

Second place went to Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) on Chaganus. They had a rail down in the double combination and finished in a time of 39.59 seconds.

Another Brazilian rider, Rodrigo Lambre with Coleman, finished third with four faults on a time of 41.62 seconds.

Coyle’s consistently impressive results since moving across the Atlantic two years ago have seen him climb to 41st in the latest World Rankings announced last week.

Allen fourth at Dutch Masters

Wexford’s Bertram Allen and Gin Chin van het Lindenhof scored an excellent fourth place finish in Sunday’s lucrative five-star Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping at the Dutch Masters in s-Hertogenbosch.

Allen and the 12-year-old gelding, who is owned by Ballywalter Bloodstock, were one of 13 combinations who made it into the second round and they briefly held the lead in the jump-off when posting a clear in 38.74.

Germany’s Marcus Ehning looked to have done enough to take victory when he posted a clear in 37.80 with Cornado NRW. However, he missed out on the top prize of €264,000 when last to go Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels crossed the line clear in 37.10 with Gancia de Muze.

Dutch favourite Harrie Smolders took third place on the podium with Emerald in a time of 37.89.

Remembering Dr Pearse Lyons

Aged 73, Irish-born entrepreneur and equestrian sponsor Dr Pearse Lyons passed away following heart surgery.

I first met him at the Lexington World Equestrian Games, where his horse nutrition and brewing company Alltech was title sponsor.

He launched his new invention Bourbon Beer at the event. His enthusiasm for the sport was endless and he was to give his backing once more to the 2014 Games in Normandy. He is the kind of sponsor world equestrianism needs more of and we can all mourn his early passing.

He is survived by his wife, Deirdre, daughter, Aoife, and son, Mark. His funeral will take place at Lexinton, Kenturchy.