Swail stopped the clock clean in 62.03 seconds, leading a competitive field at the Odlum Brown BC Open. The win follows a staggering four victories last week, each aboard a different mount, cementing one of the most versatile runs in recent tbird memory.

“The nice thing about last week, obviously, is I had four wins, but there were four different horses,” Swail said. “And now this is five wins on five different horses. I’m very, very proud of that. I have a nice group of horses here, and they’re in good form.”

Thursday’s victory was not entirely smooth sailing. Approaching the first fence, Swail faced an unexpected interference—by a bird. 

“I could see the crow just sitting on the grass behind [fence one],” Swail recounted. “Usually they sit on the wings, and the horses don’t seem to mind as much because they’re up high. But this one was behind the jump. I’m about a stride away, and the old crow knows I’m coming—the thing pops up!”

The momentary startle didn’t derail Swail. He navigated the rest of Peter Holmes’ 1.50m track smoothly and cleanly.

“I got neatly over to the liverpool, which caused a bit of trouble because it was in a big shadow there,” he said. “Some of the horses, including my first one [Nadal Hero & DB], struggled with it. But I thought it was nice and smooth everywhere. I’m very happy with him because he had a quieter week last weekend. He has a day off now and then he goes on Friday for the Grand Prix.”