DOWN’S Conor Swail claimed the honours in the three-star $32,000 1.45m Welcome speed class at Desert International Horse Park last Wednesday, as he and the 14-year-old gelding Theo 160, owned by Mannon Farm, were the clear winners of the class, showing their flair for speed and stopping the clock in 65.87 seconds. The closest anyone could get to their time was Kaitlin Campbell (USA) on COSM Questa VD Heffinck, who finished over three and a half seconds slower, clocking 69.52 for second place, with Canada’s Tiffany Foster on Anton in third on 71.5. James Chawke and Daido Van’T Ruytershof Z placed eighth in the class.

“All the numbers came up lovely for [Theo 160], and he is a quick, competitive horse,” said Swail following his latest win. “I must say, he jumped beautifully today. This is his first time out on the grass this year. He has been here before on the grass, and he is very good on it. I was very pleased with the size of his step and how easily he went around. It was very smooth.