Jordan Coyle and Costa Diam Back on Form in Equine Tack & Nutritionals CSI3* Speed

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22/04/2024

Jordan Coyle & Costa Diam, winners of the $32,000 Equine Tack & Nutritionals CSI3* 1.45m Speed. Photo © Sportfot

Ireland’s Jordan Coyle guided Costa Diam to victory in the $32,000 Equine Tack & Nutritionals CSI3* 1.45m Speed on the grass derby field at Equestrian Village on Saturday after a year-long recovery from injury for the mare. The comeback win highlighted the third week of the 2024 ESP Spring Series, presented by Florida Coast Equipment. The Spring Series at Wellington International runs for five weeks as part of the ESP Annual Series and concludes on May 12.

In a race to the top, sixty-five horses challenged Andy Christiansen Jr.’s (USA) speed course. Coyle, 31, set an uncatchable target at 59.23 seconds from the 51st position in the original order.

“We had Costa for about ten months with quite high expectations when she got an injury,” said Coyle of the 12-year-old Selle Français mare (Componist Champblanc x Allegreto) owned by Elan Farm. “Unfortunately, that was it for us. This is only our second FEI week back. It’s taken exactly one year to get her back to the show ring.”

In a grand prix during WEF 4 last year, Costa Diam suffered a deep digital flexor injury. Many months of recovery included rest, hand walks and a slow push back to fitness. The mare recovered under the watchful eyes of Elan Farm grooms Marketa Churova and Miša Honzova. “I have to give them 90% of the credit because they did most of the work to get her back and it was a serious job,” said Coyle.

When he took over the lead, Jordan bumped Lebanon’s Jad Dana to second on a time of 60.37 seconds riding Fleur-de-lis’ Cherie, owned by The Cherie Group. Rounding out the podium, Erynn Ballard (CAN) piloted Ginger Ask to third in 60.52 seconds for owners Ilan Ferder and Marigold Sporthorses.