Langley, Canada – May 21, 2026 – Canada’s Nicole Walker (CAN) and Excellent B set an early standard in Thursday’s feature four-star competition. But the rider dominating Thunderbird Show Park’s international ring this week had other plans.
First of six pairs to return for Gregory Bodo’s short course in the CSI 4* Challenge 1.45m, Walker and her veteran partner put down a speedy double clear, stopping the clock at 38.07 seconds.
It held until the very last combination, Conor Swail (IRL) and Nadal Hero & DB, shaved over half a second off, clocking in at 37.47 seconds, to pick up his third win of the CSI4*/2* Canadian Premier week. Hilary Scott (AUS) and Clarima rounded out the podium in third with a time of 39.4 seconds.
“I was last to go. I saw Nikki and she had a lovely round—I thought she was quite quick,” said Swail. “I tried to be as efficient as I can and keep him comfortable. This is [Nadal Hero & DB’s] first FEI win in a couple of years. I am so happy with him.”
Swail and the 13-year-old BWP gelding are no strangers to the victory gallop at tbird. They were part of Ireland’s Nations Cup-winning team in 2023 and picked up a pair of wins in 2022, but have been absent from the international ring since 2024. The striking chestnut has been competing instead with Swail’s wife, Samantha van der Woude-Swail. The Irishman only recently took the ride back after the couple welcomed a daughter.
“My wife was jumping him in the 1.20m and 1.30m for over a year,” he continued. “The only reason I’m riding him is because she’s just after having a baby.”
When asked whether his wife might want the ride back, Swail smiled: “She already knows the answer, I think.”
With three international wins on as many horses in just two days this week, Swail continues to be the rider to beat at tbird.
CSI 4* competition continues Friday with the $62,500 Qualifier 1.50m, building to the $117,000 Grand Prix on Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are available exclusively at tbird.ca/tickets.
Final Results – $20,000 Jump-off Challenge CSI 4*
1) Conor Swail (IRL) & Nadal Hero & DB – 0 / 0 – 37.47
2) Nicole Walker (CAN) & Excellent B – 0 / 0 – 38.07
3) Hilary Scott (AUS) & Clarima – 0 / 0 – 39.40
Source: Press Release from Thunderbird Show Park
Photos: © Kim Gaudry for Tbird
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