Thirty-five horse/rider combinations stepped through the clock tower to take on one of longest, most challenging courses at Spruce Meadows in the final event of the of 2019 Summer Series, the Sun Life Financial Derby, which was claimed by Rowan Willis and Everse W.
First unveiled at the Spruce Meadows ‘National’ tournament in 1985, the course is more than a kilometre long and boasts twice the number of obstacles of a traditional Grand Prix. The late Pamela Carruthers (GBR) re-designed her original course in 1990, and up to last year only 21 riders had turned in clean rides over 689 attempts. The derby features every natural obstacle in the International Ring including the ever intimidating Devil’s Dyke, the table top, the Double Liverpool and the famous Spruce Meadows Bank. It a true test of endurance for both horse and rider.
Jordan Coyle (IRL), who was on a roll from the morning’s competition, continued his momentum through to the derby and became the 22nd clear round ever posted. But it wasn’t over. Nicolas Pizarro (MEX), and last year’s winner Rowan Willis (AUS), also posted clear rounds. There would be a three horse jump off.
Coyle was first in for the jump off and was clear and fast with a time of 37.16s. Pizarro was next through the clock tower and while he tried to catch Coyle’s time, he would have 8 faults in the process. All eyes were on Willis as the final horse in the jump off. Aboard Everse W, his 10 year old Dutch gelding, the pair took all the risks and it paid off. They crossed the finish line with a time of 36.36s and no faults to take the victory.
“He’s (Everse W) got so much ability. Jordan’s (Coyle) always fast and I just had to hope I was faster,” said Willis of his second consecutive win of the Sun Life Financial Derby.
Jordan Coyle (IRL) adds another win to his resume
The Lafarge Cavalry Charge was the final competition in the 2019 Alberta Power Speed Challenge. Throughout the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, riders competed over the same speed course each week in an attempt to accumulate points (based on the ranking in each competition). At the end of the Summer Series, the horse/rider combination with the most points wins the 2019 Alberta Speed Challenge.
Going into the final event, Ireland’s Jordan Coyle aboard Picador were the top contenders for the series win. Beezie Madden (USA) riding Jiva and brother Daniel Coyle (IRL) riding Leilani were hot on his tail, sitting in second and third respectively.
Daniel Coyle was holding down both first and second place as Madden entered the ring with Jiva. The pair flew around the course and laid down a lightning fast time of 75.96s – one second faster than Daniel’s quicker horse CHS Krooze, to take the lead. Older brother Jordan Coyle was last to go aboard Picador. The pair have had nothing short of a successful Spruce Meadows Summer Series and it was about to get better.
Jordan crossed the finish line with a time of 75.67s to secure both the Lafarge Cavalry Charge and the 2019 Alberta Power Speed Challenge. It was this pairs second victory on the final weekend of the Spruce Meadows Summer Series.
“I have nothing left to say, He’s (Picador) amazing,” said Coyle of his champion partner Picador.
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