WORLD number five show jumper Conor Swail claimed the final international victory during the second week of the 2023 Spring Series at Wellington International Equestrian Centre last weekend.

He and Casturano stormed to a win in their first FEI Grand Prix as a combination, the $146,000 Bainbridge Companies three-star Grand Prix.

“He’s an amazing horse; very careful. Today is the biggest that he has jumped, and I thought the class was tough, but the horse really excelled not only today but all week,” said Swail, who took over the ride on Casturano early this year when he was purchased by Ireland-based Mannon Farm.

“We competed in California this past winter season in the 1.35m and 1.40m classes and we moved up gradually and did a few national Grand Prix classes then a few FEI shows. He has had a bit of a break for a few weeks, and this is his first show in Wellington with me. It’s a great start. I think he’s a special horse and a wonderful addition to my string.”

Eight go clear

Mexican course designer Ana Catalina Cruz crafted a winding opening track for the 36 entries, with eight riders posting clear rounds to advance to the jump-off. Swail was sixth to go in the timed round and was up against a time to beat of 41.72 seconds set by USA’s Kent Farrington.

“In the jump-off, I honestly was thinking I wouldn’t be able to beat Kent,” Swail admitted. “[Casturano] isn’t normally that quick because he jumps so high over the jumps, but there was a lot of room to gallop, and we were going so quickly it kept him from overjumping as much as he normally does. It was a great round from him.”

As Swail crossed the timers with Casturano, the clock showed they were nearly two-10ths of a second ahead in 41.57 seconds to earn the top prize of €43,850. Of the two riders left to chase Swail down, Derry’s Jordan Coyle came the closest to finish in third with For Gold, owned by Falkirk Farm. Farrington settled for second with his own Orafina.

Right answers

Although Swail is uncertain what the future holds for Casturano, he is certain the horse will be competitive at whatever level he settles at. “I am pushing him a little bit just to see how he manages with the height. At the minute, he’s giving me all the right answers, going about his job and doing it extremely well. I don’t know how big he’s going to go but I’m hoping he ends up going all the way.”

Paul O’Shea finished third in Saturday’s 1.45m jump-off class with Team Eye Candy’s nine-year-old mare Dirty Girl. The pair were one of five clears in the nine-horse jump-off, breaking the beam in 41.03 seconds. Victory went to Nayel Nassar with Linguini de la Pomme (0/0 39.63).

Cork’s Simon McCarthy was third in Friday’s 1.50m with the 11-year-old Irish-bred gelding Athletix Hero Z who, bred by Gerry Marron and Luc Henry, was competed at international level by Dermott Lennon before being sold to Cronus Ventures LLC and Rock Ridge Farms.

The pair were among nine clears against the clock, while Swail and his Grand Prix winner finished in fifth place. Portugal’s Luis Sabino Goncalves won aboard Vick du Croisy.