Thermal, California, United States – March 16, 2025 – With Ireland’s Conor Swail (IRL) in the irons, Theo 160 has come quite close to victory numerous times throughout the 2025 Desert Circuit, but each time, it has narrowly alluded him. On Sunday, March 16, however, victory finally belonged to Theo 160 as the gelding closed out the 2024-2025 Desert International Horse Park season with a win in the $32,000 Alora Sporthorses Classic CSI 4* – 1.50m.
“Theo has been incredible the whole tour,” said Swail of the 13-year-old Holsteiner, owned by Mannon Farm. “He’s been second, third, second, third, third, fourth. I mean, he’s been clear and clear and clear and clear. So, I’m just so happy that he won today because he really deserved it. Honestly, nearly more than any of them. He’s been probably the most consistent throughout the duration.”
Theo’s consistency was on full display at Desert Circuit 10, with Swail and the gelding producing one of five clear rounds over Sunday afternoon’s Peter Grant-designed course. From there, Paris Sellon (USA) and The Duchess were the first to return for the jump-off, and they set the pace to beat at 42.01 seconds.
That time would not hold up for long however. Swail and Theo were the very next entry to take to the Grand Prix Arena, and while Swail was not particularly proud of his jump-off efforts, the pair’s time of 39.20 seconds was more than enough to move them into the lead.
“The jump off actually, honestly, I wasn’t that happy with; I thought it was very ragged,” explained Swail. “Again, Theo was being super…He was very good to me to jump the last two jumps well, and thankfully we won. It just wasn’t my favorite one. I wanted him to win today, and I didn’t feel I did a great job to help him do that, to be honest. So, listen, sometimes you win whenever it’s maybe not the best round you’ve ever had, and I think that was one of those rounds today.”
With Swail taking home the win, Sellon and The Duchess, owned by Willow Grace, finished in second place as the only other double clear effort. Rounding out the top three with four faults in a time of 39.55 seconds were Kaitlin Campbell (USA) and Bull Run’s Hesed.
“Thankfully, the whole circuit has gone pretty well,” concluded Swail. “I must say, all of my horses have been in good form, and they’ve given me a lot of opportunities to win prizes. It’s been wonderful for the duration.”
Sunday, March 16 marked the conclusion of the 2025 Desert Circuit at the Desert International Horse Park.
Final Results – $32,000 Alora Sporthorses Classic CSI 4* – 1.50m
1) Conor Swail (IRL) & Theo 160 – 0 / 0 – 39.20
2) Paris Sellon (USA) & The Duchess – 0 / 0 – 42.01
3) Kaitlin Campbell (USA) & Bull Run’s Hesed – 0 / 4 – 39.55
Source: Press Release from Desert International Horse Park
Photos: © DIHP / High Desert Photo / MG Photography
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Categories: CSI 4*, English, Jumper News Ireland
