CO DOWN world number four Conor Swail was still on a high from the 2022 Dublin Horse Show when he went to Ottawa in Canada and finished runner-up in the $215,000 RBC five-star Grand Prix at the Major League Show Jumping event.

Just four of the starting 26 made it through to the second round against the clock when only Swail and USA’s Kent Farrington delivered clear rounds. Farrington emerged as the winner aboard the 12-year-old mare Orafina when fractions of a second quicker in 35.75 seconds.

Swail and Mannon Farm’s 13-year-old gelding Vital Chance de la Roque were clear in 36.42. Canada’s Jacqueline Steffens slotted into third place with Freaky, picking up four faults against the clock. Shane Sweetnam also finished in the top 10, picking up four faults to take ninth place with the nine-year-old gelding Namaste van het Eyckeveld.

The winner, Kent Farrington, described 2022 as a “building year” he was thrilled with the young talent who he described as “careful like Gazelle and physically strong like Voyeur”, both comparisons that any developing horse would be lucky to share.

Great week

“[This was a] great week for me. It was my first time coming to this venue and I was really impressed. The footing was great, they have an interesting set of jumps that are different than what we see every week, which is great for my horses.

“Orafina is a spectacular horse and incredibly competitive. I have big expectations. In the end, the horses are going to decide what they do in the sport, and right now, she’s loving it. I hope that continues.”

Sweetnam runner-up

Shane Sweetnam was runner-up in Sunday’s 1.50m jump-off class with Birdy du Thot. He was beaten to the top spot by Israel’s Daniel Bluman (Cachemire de Braize) while Swail finished fourth with Theo 160 and Conor O’Regan was eighth with Mendini DR.

Sligo’s Darragh Kerins was third in Saturday’s 1.50m Table A. He guided Eve Jobs’ Valentino Tuiliere to a clear round in 68.46 seconds, ahead of Derry’s Jordan Coyle in fourth place with Ariso. Bluman was once again the winner with Cachemire de Braize.