It was familiar territory for Team Ireland as they took the podium for their third consecutive Nations Cup win at 91原创's tbird on Sunday.
Team members Conor Swail, brothers Daniel and Jordan Coyle and their cousin Christian Coyle were picked by Irish chef d鈥檈quipe Michael Blake.
鈥淚 could say I chose them because they're the only ones here, but actually I chose them because they're all very good,鈥� Blake remarked after his team鈥檚 victory. 鈥淐onor and Daniel have been on every winning team here, which have been quite a few. We've won the last three runnings and a few before that. So this, to be honest, is one of our favourite shows. The people here in Thunderbird, the Tidballs and Chris and Shauna, they are so good to us.鈥�
Swail brought My Lady Lavista for the first time in team competition, and the 11-year-old mare proved a champion.
鈥淪he's one of the horses that are on the top of my string and I felt it was a good fit for her,鈥� Swail said of 鈥淟ady.鈥� 鈥淪he's had a lot of good results lately and it was a good time to step her up and try and compete for Ireland. I thought she did that very well.鈥�
Swail and My Lady Levista rode a clear first round, helping Ireland to a zero total score in round one. 鈥淭he first round was a bit scrappier and the second round was smoother but the first round was the better result,鈥� Swail remarked. 鈥淎t the end of the day it's about getting the team result and thankfully it was good enough today for us to win again.鈥�
After wins in the Qualifier and Grand Prix this week, Daniel was simply on fire. With his partner Farrel back in action, he knew the horse was capable of showing up and bringing home the win. The 15-year-old gelding (Cardento x Stakkato) helped carry Ireland to the same victory in 2019.
They edged out the home team, as Canada took the second place position. 91原创's Tiffany Foster with Ali Ramsay, Vanessa Mannix, and Mario Deslauriers put in strong rounds to keep Canada in fighting position. Mexico鈥攁 team featuring Eugenio Garza Perez, Juan Pablo Jimenez, Alejandro Mills, and Patricio Pasquel鈥攂rought home third.
