Conor Swail (IRL) is probably getting used to be on top of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup - North American League by now. The Irishman didn't only take the victory in the NAL's opening leg of Sacramento (USA) but now also adds one from Washington (USA) too. He used two different but incredible horses for each win. Vital Chance de La Roque (v. Diamant de Semilly) was the nr. one in Sacramento while Count Me In (v. Count Grannus) led him to victory in Washington but was also his main horse for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Leipzig (GER).
Bernardo Costa Cabral set a technical track at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro (USA), which was hosting the World Cup competition for the first time. But the quality of the field was strong, and nine combinations advanced to the shortened course. The lead would change hands quickly until Swail entered the ring. While Daniel Bluman on Gemma W (v. Luidam) and Brian Moggre on MTM Vivre le Reve (v. Ustinov) would come close, neither could catch the indisputed king of the NAL.
Swail's winning time was 35,76 seconds, less than three-tenths of a second ahead of Bluman who had 36,00 seconds on the clock. Moggre checked in third at 36,74 seconds.
"Count Me In has really changed my career. He's brought me to a lot of places I'd never been and has been very successful doing it. This year, I know he's capable and returning to the World Cup Final is something that I'm looking forward to doing with him. It is a plan at this point, which probably makes it better."
Between Count Me In and Vital Chance de La Roque, Swail has recorded five NAL victories over the course of the last two seasons, and with Count Me In, Swail finished eight in Leipzig. He will continue to pursue points towards the 2023 finals in Omaha (USA) at upcoming legs in Toronto (CAN) and Las Vegas (USA).
"Since I got those two horses, we really hit it off, and we've gone through the roof", Swail added.
Swail boasts a commanding lead in the NAL standings with 40 points. Bluman and Sophia Siegel are tied for second with 17 points apiece.
The North American League resumes in Lexington (USA) on November 5th, 2022.
See the full results here
See the current standings here
Copyright Photo: FEI / Shawn McMillen Photography