Windgates King Koal ‘as good as ever’ in winning grand prix

“HE felt as good as ever,” were the words of Conor Swail yesterday after he won the Dairygold Grand Prix at Millstreet on Windgates King Koal, a horse lucky to be alive.

The 15-year-old bay gelding was close to death in June and had to undergo two operations for colic. Yesterday, however, he showed no ill-effects when taking the top prize in the €10,000 competition.

“I’m thrilled. It’s my first show trying to do anything with him and he felt as good as ever,” said the Co Down rider. The win was also notable. It was 12 months to the day that the pairing claimed the grand prix in Zuidlaren, The Netherlands. The top 10 riders went through to the jump-off in yesterday’s feature class.