Press release from Desert International Horse Park

Show jumping action at the Desert International Horse Park continued on Saturday during the National Sunshine Series. In the Grand Prix Ring, the highlight event of day was the $36,600 Talus 1.45m CSI3*, part of the international events presented by Marshall & Sterling. With quick and clear effort, it was once again Ireland’s Conor Swail and Theo 160 who topped a three-horse jump-off to lead the lap of honor. 

Alan Wade (IRL) set a careful first round track for the $36,600 Talus 1.45m CSI3*, which featured a vertical-oxer double combination and an oxer-vertical-vertical triple combination before finishing over a bending line away from the gate. Only three athletes were able to complete the opening round without error and advance to the tiebreaker.

Canada’s Lisa Carlsen was the first to return, putting on the pressure when she cleared the jump-off in 38.38 seconds aboard Susan Stevens’ Atena De L’Ermitage. Swail was not deterred though, still flying high from his victory on Friday in the $36,600 Sun Air Jets 1.50m CSI3* with Vital Chance De La Roque. This time the speedy Irishman was aboard the Team Philippaerts-owned Theo 160. With a quick rollback after the first line the pair eventually edged out Carlsen, clocking in at 37.77 seconds with all the rails intact. Sweden’s Mattias Ekeroth was the last to go with his own Hayee M. With the pressure on to go fast for the win, the duo was unable to maintain a clear performance, lowering the height of two fences for 8 faults and the third place award. Swail would claim his second winning title of the week, while Carlsen took home the second place prize. 

Theo 160, a 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding, is a relatively new mount for Swail, who just began riding him in February of 2021. After seeing him compete in Europe, Swail knew they would be a good match and approached the Philippaerts about a partnership. Theo 160 quickly showcased his talents, moving up from the 1.30m to the 1.45m with wins throughout the summer and fall in Tryon, North Carolina, and Langley, British Columbia. Swail now plans to compete with him during Sunday’s $101,000 Marshall & Sterling 1.55m CSI3*.