DOWN's Conor Swail and his own Theo 160 won the $25,000 Tryon Resort Sunday Classic in the USA with a speedy time of 32.813 seconds in the jump-off phase of competition.

Wrapping up second place was Cady Klimas (USA) aboard Celtic Lady M2S, the 2007 Dutch Warmblood mare (Condios x Ekstien) owned by Jumpers Landing LLC with a time of 34.569 seconds.

Third place went to Eliza Lehrman (USA) claiming the yellow ribbon with Sierra, the 2010 Danish Warmblood mare (Stolzenberg x Lambrusco Ask), owned by Five Way Farm LLC , with a time of 36.803 seconds.

The Ken Krome (USA)-designed course saw 21 horse and rider pairs, with six riders qualifying for the jump-off phase of the competition.

After having frustrating faults with his two mounts in the $37,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI3* earlier that week, Swail was motivated to capture the win on Sunday morning.

Despite Theo 160’s recent introduction to larger fence heights, Swail remained confident in his horse’s ability. “The first round was very nice, very smooth. In the jump-off, he went a little green on me. I found he got stuck behind my leg a little bit, but he was still very fast and very careful,” Swail said.

Swail commended his new partner, Theo 160, the 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Christian 25 x Calando IV), saying, “He’s very talented, a great little jumper. Today I thought he was awesome.”

The pair also won the $6,000 Speed Stake during Tryon Summer 5 competition. Swail was on a winning streak throughout the Tryon Summer Series, collecting win after win aboard several mounts.

With the conclusion of the Tryon Summer Series, Swail has eight weeks of traveling ahead of him, he shared. “No rest for the wicked!” he emphasised.

Swail and his horses have made impressive achievements over their past four weeks competing in the 2021 Tryon Summer Series, which Swail credits in part to the venue. “My horses are leaving here full of confidence, and jumping well. I’m looking forward to coming back in October. It’s been a wonderful time and it’s a great facility.”