Langley, Canada – May 27, 2026 – Sometimes a horse-and-rider pair gets on a hot streak. And sometimes, the rider is the hot streak. Case in point: Conor Swail (IRL).
The Irish show jumping sensation delivered yet another masterful win in Wednesday’s $31,100 Nations Welcome Qualifier CSIO 4*, piloting Casturano to the top of the leaderboard and securing his fifth international victory in eight days at Thunderbird Show Park.
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.”
Swail also credited a recent equipment adjustment for Casturano’s relaxed, powerful performance.
“I just changed the bit [a few weeks ago] in Mexico,” he revealed. “He used to go in a little Pelham for a long time. Now it’s just a little straight rubber bit—really soft. I do feel it makes him a little freer. Feels great on him so far.”
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With five wins across five horses—including Casturano, the latest to join the winner’s circle—Swail said the streak has created a virtuous cycle.
“It definitely helps when all the horses are feeling good, and I am feeling good about it as well,” he said. “They’re confident, and I’m riding with confidence.”
Four-star competition at the Odlum Brown BC Open continues this week with the 1.45m on Thursday, the Grand Prix on Friday, the 1.50m on Saturday, and the Nations Cup on Sunday. Tickets are available exclusively at tbird.ca/tickets.
Final Results – $31,100 Nations Welcome Qualifier CSIO 4*
1) Conor Swail (IRL) & Casturano – 0 – 62.03
2) Braden James (CAN) & Kannandine – 0 – 63.72
3) Kassidy Keith (CAN) & Havana – 0 – 64.89
Source: Press Release from Thunderbird Show Park
Photos: © Kim Gaudry for Tbird
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