Conor Swail & Gamble Take the Lead for Good in the $32,000 Storm Ridge Capital Speed CSI2*

By Jumper News on 2024-09-25

Traverse City, Michigan, USA – September 20, 2024 – A field of 53 riders took to the $32,000 Storm Ridge Capital Speed CSI 2* on Friday morning in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring. Forty-six of those tried to catch the early time to beat, set by Irish rider Conor Swail (IRL) and Gamble, owned by Asta Torokvei, yet Swail proved uncatchable.

Laying down a quick time of 62.19 seconds over the Cedric Longis (FRA) designed course, Swail relied on tight turns and precise angles to achieve his winning time.

“For jumps one, two, three there were very tight inside turns. Very few in the class took it on and that’s kind of his forte,” said Swail of Gamble, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Vingino x Indoctro. “He’s very good at seeing something late and executing the jump. We were using his strengths there.”

Coming closest to breaking the leading time was Ali Ramsay (CAN) and Duke of Doel (by Diarado), owned by Taliu Dejong, finishing on a clear in 63.25 seconds.

Taking the third spot was USA’s Jacob Pope (USA) and Highway FBH (Plot Blue x Cornet Obolensky), owned by Pope and Sherri Crawford. The pair finished clear, crossing the timers at 64.75 seconds.

Swail and Gamble have been building up for win after jumping solid rounds during the second week of the Traverse City Tournament of Champions. “He was clear in the two-star qualifier with a time fault and then jumped a really good round in the grand prix last week, so he’d been coming into this week jumping well and the course suited him,” said Swail. “It was a lovely smooth round and I’m happy for him because he deserves a good placing.”