Co Down’s Conor Swail finished third in the inaugural $225,000 Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Close to 11,000 spectators filled the stadium to watch the show jumping competition, which no doubt will be made a permanent fixture at the showcase.

Riding Rose Hill Farms’ impressive 12-year-old chesnut stallion Rubens LS La Silla, Swail was clear in a time of 50.64 in the 10-horse jump-off, behind Mexico winner Santiago Lambre (Dingeman) and the Eddie Macken-trained American rider Eve Jobs (Venue D’Fees Des Hazalles) in second place.

Swail took home a big prize fund of $33,750. Speaking afterwards, he said: “It’s absolutely amazing the atmosphere here. It’s great for us to compete in such a great stadium and be part of such a fabulous event.

“We have so many fast, tough riders here. I was trying to do all the stuff I can, but my horse is a little slower through the air and in the canter step. I’m absolutely thrilled with my horse and how he is doing everything I am asking him to do. Whether I’m first or 10th, he was fantastic today so I’m happy for the horse and the owners.”

Derry’s Daniel Coyle also made it into the timed round with the wonderful mare Cita but faulted once to finish in sixth place, still taking home a healthy prize fund of $10,600.