Swail and O’Connor delighted with performance of horses in Florida

While failing to make the jump-off in Saturday’s $500,000 FTI Consulting Grand Prix in Florida, show jumpers Conor Swail and Cian O’Connor were delighted with the performances of their horses, after they finished sixth and seventh, respectively.

Swail had particular reason to be happy, having only recently acquired the ride on 10-year-old French-bred mare Oceane De Nantuel after owner Michel Hecart had a fall.

“I’ve been riding the horse for just three weeks and she has been amazing. She is a little horse with a big heart and I am very happy to have her as part of my string,” said the Co Down native, who confirmed Hecart is happy to let him continue to ride the horse.

Both Irish riders rued one error over the first-round course designed by Irishman Alan Wade, but the fact it was the last fence that caught out Blue Loyd ensured mixed emotions for O’Connor. Overall, though, he felt this performance, coupled with the gelding’s double clear in last month’s US nations cup, hold promise for the summer.

“Blue Loyd barely touched the fence. While it was heartbreaking, as only three made the jump-off, I’m over the moon at how he has progressed. The two targets I set for ourselves were the nations cup and this grand prix and he excelled in both. I believe this tour sets us up for the major shows in Europe, which kick off in May.”

Saturday night’s grand prix was won by Colombian Daniel Bluman on Sancha LS.