CONOR Swail got his campaign Spruce Meadows campaign off to a good start when he took victory in the five-star 1.50m last Wednesday aboard Count Me In to earn just over $12,000.

In total 15 combinations went to post and just three double clears were delivered. Swail took the win when he partnered the Sandy Lupton-owned 14-year-old gelding to a clear in 37.80, ahead of Egypt’s Nayel Nassar with Coronado (0/0 38.54). Swail’s student, Vanessa Mannix, finished third with Catika 25 (0/0 41.61).

On Sunday the combination were back in the ribbons, taking the runner-up spot in another 1.50m, when they crossed the line clear in 38.62. Swail was denied his win by a small margin when Nassar turned the tables and won with Igor Van De Wittemoere in 38.58. Also in the line-up were Derry’s Jordan Coyle and Picador, who took fourth (39.82).

Cournane best of Irish in Grand Prix

Kerry’s Captain Brian Cournane recorded two top finishes at the venue with the 12-year-old Armik, owned by rider alongside Bob and Christine Stiller. The first of those results came in Thursday’s 1.55m Grand Prix when they slotted into fifth place. A field of 32 combinations went to post and from those, six double clears were recorded. Cournane put in a gallant attempt with the talented gelding, delivering a clear in 40.66. One place behind was Conor Swail with Gamble, who were also clear, in 40.93.

On Saturday, Cornane and Armik repeated this performance, this time taking fifth in the 1.60m RBC Grand Prix of Canada. The pairing were fastest of the four-faulters in a time of 43.72 to claim $30,000.

Claiming victory were USA’s Kent Farrington and Gazelle in 40.91.