CONOR Swail has paid tribute to “the best I’ve ever ridden” on the retirement of his Aga Khan-winning horse Count Me In, aka Crosby.

The Hannoverian gelding retired after accumulating 14 five-star victories and countless placings. “Crosby a horse I will always hold close to my heart. The best horse I’ve ever ridden. It has been such a privilege and an honour to have been your jockey these past three and a half years,” Swail said.

“We’ve accomplished an extraordinary amount of success together and I wish you the very best retirement. During our time together, Crosby brought me to number four in the world rankings. He took me to the biggest stages that show jumping has to offer. He jumped triple clear to help Team Ireland win the Aga Khan - something I’ve dreamt about since I was a kid. He took me to my first World Cup Finals, where we finished eighth overall. He added our name to the prestigious Queens Cup trophy at Spruce Meadows. He was ranked the second best horse in the world in 2022. We’ve had nine FEI Grand Prix wins together and 56 podium finishes.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in Crosby’s career - keeping him in such good health, even at the age of 18. I am very pleased to say that Crosby will be retiring in my home town of Darragh Cross at Mannon Farm. I can’t think of anyone who is more deserving of a happy and healthy retirement.”

Crosby, who is by Count Grannus and out of a Sherlock Holmes mare, started his international career with Beth Underhill in 2015. They won their first CSI5* 1.60m Grand Prix in Illinois in 2018, and continued to enjoy a successful partnership, before Swail took over the ride in 2021.