Conor Swail has been a staple on the Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) tour since its inception in 2021 and has 37 career Grand Prix wins on his record.
But none on the MLSJ tour.
Over three and half seasons, the Irishman has jumped to 55 podium finishes and nearly $1 million in prize earnings with 11 different horses on the North American circuit (Jumpr stats). But, an MLSJ Grand Prix title has proved illusive.
On Saturday, the 13th 1.60m Grand Prix proved to be the charm for the world no. 13.
Swail and Casturano were best in class in the Kask CSI5* Grand Prrix at MLSJ Tryon, edging USA’s Kent Farrington and Greya out of the top spot by three tenths of a second (41.54 vs 41.89).
“I’ve jumped a lot of these Grand Prix and not to win one gets a little, you know, frustrating or annoying. I feel that I should win one at least. So it’s nice to get one. And hopefully when there’s one, there’ll be more,” said Swail.
With Casturano, all signs suggest Tryon is just the start.
In their three MLSJ Grands Prix appearances to date, Swail and the 11 year old Holsteiner gelding by Castelan 3 have jumped clear and into the top 10 of each. Notably, they were ninth in the MLSJ Vancouver in May and took second in the MLSJ American Gold Cup in September.
“We’ve been together now going on two years in January. [He’s been] an incredible athlete right from the beginning, a bit careful and not so much experience,” said Swail.
“This year now we moved up a little more. And every time I step up he keeps answering all the questions. He’s just a wonderful horse.“
The MLSJ next heads to Monterrey, Mexico Oct 30–November 3.