Conor Swail Cruises to Victory in the $32,000 Core Realty Speed Challenge CSI 5*-W

By Jumper News on 2025-01-30

Thermal, California, USA – January 29, 2025 – Ireland’s Conor Swail (IRL) and Theo 160 led the $32,000 Core Specialty Speed CSI5*-W from beginning to end to kick off Desert Circuit 4, presented by La Quinta Resort & Club, at the Desert International Horse Park on January 29.

Thirty-nine entries took on the Wednesday afternoon featured class, with many of the riders gearing up for the Saturday night’s culminating $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – Thermal CSI 5*-W. Of those 39, Swail was the very first rider to contest the Alan Wade-designed course, and – while many top contenders followed – he and Theo 160 laid down a time to beat of 59.80 seconds that would prove uncatchable by the remainder of the field.

The USA’s Lillie Keenan (USA) and Opium JW van de Moerhoeve TN, owned by Chansonette Farm LLC, came the closest to besting Theo 160, stopping the clock just hundredths of a second shy in 59.87 seconds for second place.

Rounding out the top three with a time of 61.64 seconds were Canada’s Erynn Ballard (CAN) and Mullentine Shalom, owned by Ilan Ferder.

**Conor Swail** (IRL) celebrating his win with his faithful dog and best friend Ralph while on another mount

“There are so many good riders and competitors here that I thought I maybe left a little bit of time there,” said Swail. “Thankfully, it was a good day for Theo and me because we finished up on top.”

“Theo’s been a wonderful horse in my string now over the last three or four years,” continued Swail in speaking of the 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding, owned by Mannon Farm. “He loves the Desert Horse Park. He always thrives here, and today again, he really did a top job. He’s awfully brave…you can take a lot of risk on the turns. You can really sweep into any fence sideways or any way at all. He really is so good at that.”

In addition to Theo 160, Swail also has My Lady Lavista competing in the week’s CSI5*-W, and the mare jumped to fourth place in Wednesday’s class. Now, Swail will point both horses at Thursday night’s $117,000 CSI5*-W 1.55m Grand Prix Qualifier, sponsored by Visit Greater Palm Springs.