The 2019 ESP Holiday Finale concluded this Sunday with the $50,000 Equiline Holiday Finale Grand Prix in the International Arena. Jordan Coyle of Ireland flew through the jump-off timers in 40.381 seconds to secure the win with Elan Farm’s Essenar Crixus, while Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, OH and Van Gogh, owned by Wilhelm & Patty Genn, came in a close second after completing the jump-off in 40.76 seconds. Roberto Teran Tafur of Colombia and his Dena-Sienne rounded out the podium with a time of 39.47 seconds and four faults.
“He [Essenar Crixus] just turned 10. I’ve had him for about 5 months, so I’m still getting to know him, but he should be able to do some bigger classes and be very competitive. He’s definitely fast enough,” Coyle shared. “For such a big horse, he’s actually quite easy to ride.”
Course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio welcomed 45 entries to the first round, with only four returning for the jump-off. “I was lucky I was last to go, so I got to watch everyone. I actually thought I was a lot faster than Wilhelm [Genn], so I slowed down to the last jump which nearly caught me. It was a lot closer than I thought. I’m just delighted,” Coyle concluded.
Major reporting contributions for this article were received from the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington FL. and Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. Please visit Palm Beach International Equestrian Center at pbiec.coth.com or call (561) 793-5867, or email info@equestriansport.com. Please visit Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. at jenniferwoodmedia.com or email info@jenniferwoodmedia.com.
