Daniel, 21, is the second ever man to win the class, which used to be open to lady riders only, after Ireland's Shane Breen won back in 2009.
Originally from Nottinghamshire, Daniel is now the stable jockey for William Funnell and Donal Barnwell's Billy Stud in West Sussex. Daniel's victory today came on Billy Grand, and they were the only combination to jump double clear. "It's such a prestigious class, and it's what you get into showjumping for," said Daniel. "It was a big course so to jump a double clear was brilliant."
In the Sky Sports Speed Classic, Piet Raymakers Jr (NED) scorched around the International Arena on Van Schijndel's Chanelly, beating early pacesetter Beezie Madden (USA) by just 0.18 of a second.
Piet said afterwards: "It's my first ever win at Hickstead, and my mare really loves speed classes. It was really close, but I just kept going faster and faster."
The winner of The Bunn Leisure Salver was John Whitaker and the nine-year-old Argento.
"I am really pleased with the way he has come on, and this is another step up for him," said John, who added: "The ground feels really good this morning, it might take a year for it to fully bed in, but I think it is money well spent for the future."
Several championships concluded today at the Longines Royal International Horse Show, with the Garrick Engineering Shelters Ltd Supreme Hack title going to Simon Charlesworth and Pearly King.