DERRY’s Jordan Coyle partnered Centriko Volo to victory in Friday’s national $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson IV at Saugerties, New York, USA.

Six athletes booked their place in the jump-off where Coyle and the 10-year-old gelding Centriko Volo beat USA Olympic veteran McLain Ward and Lezaro by almost three seconds when clear in 44.82 to capture the win and €7,500. USA’s Laura Chapot finished third with Chandon Blue while Ward also slotted into fourth place with Faro. Ireland’s Christian Coyle finished sixth aboard Heviola.

Speaking after the win, Coyle said: “I’ve had Centriko Volo for four years, and he’s won an [FEI CSI] three-star and four-star Grand Prix this year already. He’s a good horse, and as he gets older and gets more belief in himself he could be a very good horse. Time will tell.

“All my horses are jumping very well, and when they are jumping well you should try and win!”

Coyle was thrilled to return to HITS Saugerties as it is close to his home base of Elan Farm in New York. “I love it. The money is great, and it’s quite close to home, probably the closest show we have. The arena is very good, and the jumps are very good, so why wouldn’t you come?”

Coyle’s Grand Prix win came on the heels of a victory in Thursday’s $10,000 HITS 1.40m Jumper Classic. This time he was aboard Costa Diam, once again posting the fastest double clear as the last to go. He edged out Chapot and Calafornia, who were also clear over the second track for second place. Lauren Fischer and Hello Besi rounded out the top three with the only other fault-free jump-off of the day.

On Wednesday, Christian Coyle and Heviola earned the top honors in the $5,000 HITS Open Welcome after beating Mark Bluman and Cenmietta PS’s faultless jump-off by half a second. Bluman also earned the third-place prize with Esther De Maugre, who was the fastest four-faulter during the jump-off.