Thermal, California, USA – February 22, 2024 – The only thing better than a one-two finish at Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) is two one-two finishes on the same day. That’s precisely what Conor Swail (IRL) did on Thursday of Desert Circuit 7, presented by TALUS. Besides the one-two in the $32,000 Brookway Stables CSI3* 1.50m Speed, the Irishman also claimed the top two spots in the $25,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic, this time aboard Gamble and Vital Chance de la Roque, respectively.
There isn’t just one winning Gamble in town anymore. After James Chawke and his own grey gelding Gamble have taken countless wins, Conor Swail stepped up with another Gamble, a large bay gelding he’s had in his string for quite some time, and claimed victory in Thursday’s $25,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic.
“He’s been a great horse for me,” Swail said of Gamble, a 13-year-old Royal Dutch Sport Horse – Dutch Warmblood gelding (Vingino x Indoctro). “We finished off last year very good and this year has started out the same way. This is his third week out now and he’s been very consistent here.”
Gamble has been in the ribbons, but it’s his first blue during Desert Circuit so far in feature action. Over Alan Wade’s (IRL) single-round speed course in the Grand Prix Arena, Swail blazed a trail in 62.709 seconds.
He was early in the order and came back on his second mount, Vital Chance de la Roque, and slid into the second-place position as well. Shawn Casady (USA) and Tiffany Sullivan’s Castelissimo were the next quickest clear pair for third.
He’s always been owned by Asta Torokvei; she got him as a young horse out of the Hendrix auction as a 4-year-old,” Swail said of his rather long relationship with Gamble. “He was always quite spicy when he was younger. He has a big slow gallop but he’s quite spooky. When you go into the ring he does these big moves. He’s quite shifty but very genuine, and over the years he’s been very consistent for me.
The duo is coming off a stellar year in terms of consistency and top placings, with Gamble proving valuable from the National level up to the CSI 5* level. “Last year was probably his best year with me to date,” Swail shared. “He had af fabulous run of results. He loves Spruce Meadows and last summer there he jumped four shows straight and didn’t have a jump down. I think it was 18 classes and no jumps down; it was quite incredible.”
Often Swail has to think differently when aboard Gamble since his build is slightly different from that of Theo 160, Vital Chance de la Roque, or other quick and petite horses in his string.
“His biggest strength is that he has such a big stride; it’s a little bit his weakness as well,” Swail explained of Gamble. “My stride is bigger and slower than everyone else’s, so I have to try to create fewer steps to be the winner. That’s what we tried to do today. He’s very brave, and unbelievable to turn; I can jump, land, and turn on a dime. He’s very handy and nifty. I really enjoy having him and riding him. Today worked very well for me.”
Final Results – $25,000 FarmVet Open Classic 1.45m
1) Conor Swail (IRL) & Gamble – 0 – 62.709
2) Conor Swail (IRL) & Vital Chance de La Roque – 0 – 63.217
3) Shawn Casady (USA) & Castelissimo – 0 – 64.238
Source: Press Release from Desert International Horse Park
Photos: © DIHP / TB Photography / High Desert Photo / MG Photography
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Categories: CSN, English, Jumper News Ireland
