CO Derry’s Daniel Coyle got him campaign at the three-star Rolex Central Park Horse Show in New York City off ro a good start when landing the Under 25 Grand Prix with Fortis Fortuna.

Jumping at the spectacular venue set to the backdrop of the NYC skyline for the first time, Coyle guided the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare by Quidam De Revel to one of just three clears in the first round.

The jump-off produced no clear rounds but Coyle’s four faults in 35.57 seconds was the quickest of the class, ahead of America’s Alexandra Crown with Von Cim (0/4 37.35).

Fortis Fortuna is owned by Sue and Ariel Grange and was previously ridden by Co Down’s Conor Swail before Coyle took over the mount this summer.

The combination racked up two wins at Spruce Meadows in Calgary and earlier this month won a speed class at CSI** Rockwood in Ontario.

Commenting after his win, Coyle said: “It is great for me to be here, and to be here for my first time and win. I just tried to concentrate on getting a clear round to start off, and I did. It just kind of went my way in the jump-off, so I am really happy.”

He added: “Conor (Swail) rode the horse and very nicely gave her to me to ride. I won a few classes at Spruce Meadows and Angelstone with her this year, so she has been a very good one for me to get, and I am happy to have her. I had a plan tonight, and I tried to just stick to it.”

In the opening $40,000 Canadian Pacific Railway US Open Speed Conor Swail took the runner-up spot aboard Cita with a clear round in 60.26 seconds.

The class was won by McLain Ward with HH Carlos Z (58.63).