It was Ireland's Conor Swail and Flower (Bon Ami x Randel Z) that yet again powered to the win in the CSI3* Longines FEI World Cup presented by Facet Advisors at Thunderbird Show Park on Sunday. This was the fourth win for the pair at Thunderbird, and the third this week. Flower, a talented 12-year-old-mare, owned by Swail and his student Vanessa Mannix is quick and careful, and as Conor has remarked before – she is very fast across the ground.

Second place went to Canadian rider Chris Surbey who rode Daylight VDL (Baloubet du Rouet x Stakkato), a fairly new match for him. Surbey did a fantastic job with two clears as well, but finishing almost four seconds behind Swail with a time of 45.48. Surbey was one of two Canadians who represented Canada in the Longines FEI World Cup Finals back in April and is looking to be heading back there again. USA's Jamie Barge finished third on Luebbo (Lord Pezi x Stakkato), also double clear with a time of 46.44 in the jump-off.

Seven out of 26 came back for the jump-off, after producing clears over Alan Wade's first-round track. Wade utilized the huge grass field and set some big verticals with room for options on the turns. Flower’s agile and strength off the turns could be seen as she tore around the jump-off. The course had the variety of both technical questions as well as demanded strength and skill from the horses. One common spot for issues was the big Longines oxer coming into the triple combination, a few horses dropped a leg to catch the rail. There were a lot of rounds with just those disappointing four faults, many being top riders in the sport who were top contenders for win.

It was the perfect setting for Swail and Flower as the pair have had success all week at Thunderbird Show Park. Swail and Flower now look towards the next qualifier in the west coast series for the North American League of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping. 

Source: Press release from Thunderbird Show Park // Picture © Moi Photography / Moi Equine Photography