CONOR Swail, Alexander Butler and Cameron Hanley recorded another good week of results at the four-star Toscana Tour in Arezzo, Italy.

Swail, who has been in fantastic form in both Europe and America all winter, took the runner-up spot in Sunday’s four-star 1.50m Grand Prix with Domino van de Valhoeve to complete a top-three placing in all three Grands Prix at the Italian venue.

Thirteen combinations made it through to the jump-off, including Mayo’s Cameron Hanley who briefly held the lead with the nine-year-old gelding Quirex (Quirado x Concept) before eventually finishing fifth with a clear round in 42.18.

Eight combinations managed to produce a second round clear and Swail shot to the top spot when he broke the beam in 40.17 seconds with his own and Vanessa Mannix’s 10-year-old gelding by Lord Z. However, that time was only good enough for second in the end as home favourite Bruno Chimirri and Tower Mouche took the honours in a time of 40.27. Swail collected €11,400, while Hanley pocketed €4,500.

Swail’s mount has been in exceptional form on the sunshine tour, jumping nine classes, including three Grands Prix, in three weeks and not picking up a single fault.

BUTLER VICTORY

Earlier in the day, Kildare-based Alexander Butler took victory in the 1.45m ranking class. Riding Wrenwood Stables and Jim Papp’s 11-year-old gelding Theoreme du Desir, he produced the fastest of 19 clear rounds in 64.83 seconds to take the top prize of just over €6,000.

His other results include a runner-up finish in Saturday’s 1.35m two-phase class with E2 Showjumpers’ 11-year-old mare Arena Z. The combination were double clear in 30.15 seconds, just behind Hungary’s Szabolcs Krucsó and Chacco (0/0 29.57). He was also fifth in Thursday’s 1.45m two-phase aboard Wrenwood Stables and Mary Ann Papp’s Centolina RB with a clear against the clock in 28.42 seconds.

hanley wins again

Hanley picked up his second win in as many weeks aboard Eis Isaura in Saturday’s 1.45m jump-off ranking class. Twenty-five of the starting 64 made it through to the second round and Hanley was the fastest of 21 clears in a time of 32.79 with the Tinka’s Boy-sired 10-year-old to collect €6,175.

The combination had placed fifth place in the 1.50m the previous day, jumping a steady clear round in 67.25, just ahead of Swail and Domino van de Valhoeve (0/ 67.48). Hanley also had success with his Calvaro Z-sired Heavenly W, winner of Thursday’s one-star six-year-old 1.30m.

Joanne Sloan Allen finished third in Saturday’s 1.30m with her own Fairplay, clear against the clock in 36.93 seconds. Swail was fourth with Giant (0/0 37.77), ahead of Butler in fifth with Flairvona (0/1 39.38). Mayo’s Jonathan Gordon finished seventh in a 1.30m against the clock with Lanxima when clear in a time of 67.58.