MEATH’S Nicky Galligan, who is now based in New York, was a winner in Wellington at the end of last week when he rode a fantastic round on VDL Nikita van de Leeuwerk to win the four-star $32,000 1.50m speed class on Thursday, with a clear round in 61.9 seconds. Derry’s Jordan Coyle and For Gold also finished on the podium in third place in 63.33. The two Irish riders were divided by Nayel Nassar (EGY) on Ivory TCS in second place in 62.23. Coyle also placed eighth in the class on Keep Me With You NC.

“I’m so proud of Nikita and the incredible team behind us that make days like this possible,” said Galligan after his win. “We really do have the best people in our corner.”