DOWN’S Conor Swail was in action at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup fixture at Puebla in Mexico over the weekend. His show started well with a few placings, but he took this up a level in Saturday’s World Cup class, when he rode the 13-year-old gelding Casturano into second place.

In a rather unusual scenario, only one of the 22 starters in the class jumped clear in the first round, so no jump-off was required. Swail was the fastest four-faulter to secure second place. The clear round and therefore the win was achieved by Sharn Wordley (NZL) on Brin d’Or de Haute Melen Z.

Swail switched places with Wordley in Sunday’s 43-strong four-star 1.45m jump-off class, when taking first place on board Theo 160, ahead of Wordley on Champion League in second.

Talbot lands Grand Prix win

The Autumn Mediterranean Equestrian Tour 2026 has kicked off and the first two-star 1.45m Grand Prix victory went to Kildare’s Niall Talbot riding the 11-year-old stallion Charming Dream Z. The 63 starters produced 11 clear first rounds, with six remaining fault-free in the jump-off. Talbot had the benefit of being last to go and was able to watch others and figure out a plan. His time of 35.49 proved fastest.

Fitzgerald wins Sentower Grand Prix

At Sentower Park in Opglabbeek, Belgium, Daniel Fitzgerald rode Casino Royal Z to win Sunday’s two-star 1.45m Grand Prix from 77 starters. Just seven combinations negotiated the first round without fault, with Fitzgerald and his mount the only pair to jump double clear to take a well-deserved win.