Trevor Coyle, winner of The Irish Field award as leading show jumper in both 1997 and 1998, has taken the coveted silver trophy for the third year in a row.

The Portadown, Co Armagh, rider, who is now based with Paul Schockemohle in Germany, made a superb debut at the World Cup final in Gothenburg last April, beaten a short head by world champion Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil.

Coyle's partner Cruising was the only horse that completed the three legs of the Swedish final without hitting a fence.

The Irish sport horse stallion, which Coyle had steered to backto-back victories in the Millstreet World Cup qualifiers, then provided Coyle with the highlight of his career when winning the prestigious Aachen Grand Prix in Germany last July.

The partnership was dramatically brought to an end at the European show jumping championships last August.

Hotly tipped as amongst the favourites for individual honours, Coyle and Cruising produced a disappointing first round at Hickstead and owner MaryMcCann withdrew the horse before the team final.

Irish Field awards also go to Sherelle Duke (21), who took world individual gold and European team bronze at the young rider three-day event championships at Necarne Castle; Nicola Cassidy (44), who was best of the Irish in both classes at the Punchestown three-day event and finished 18th in the individual line-up at the European championships in Luhmuhlen; Sarah-Kate Quinlivan (17), who won the 148cms Grand Prix at Dublin and the 148cms Millstreet Derby; and Katy Bradley, national dressage champion, who was on the Irish team at the European championships in Arnhem last year.

The awards are to be presented at a lunch in Kingswood House Hotel, Clondalkin, today.