Athlete Spotlight: Conor Swail & Casturano

January 27, 2025

When it comes to show jumping’s elite, Conor Swail has cemented his place among the best. Hailing from Ireland and currently ranked in the top 10 of the Longines Jumping Rankings, Swail’s 2024 victory at the Kentucky Invitational CSI4* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute remains one of the most thrilling moments in recent equestrian history.


A Night to Remember at Kentucky

With a crowd of over 10,700 fans packed into Rolex Stadium, the atmosphere on the night of the 2024 Kentucky Invitational was electric. Thirty-eight horse-and-rider pairs tackled Guilherme Jorge’s first-round course, a challenging design with 13 numbered jumps and 16 jumping efforts that tested precision, speed, and partnership.


As the competition narrowed, only six pairs advanced to the jump-off, where Swail and his talented 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Casturano, delivered a breathtaking performance. Cantering into the ring as the second-to-last pair, they delivered a flawless, double-clear round in a blistering 40.960 seconds, seizing the lead and claiming victory over an elite international field.


Reflecting on his rising star Casturano, Swail said:
"I've had him for around a year. The horse jumps clear after clear after clear, and the confidence you get from jumping a horse with so much ability and how much he's grown over the last year—it’s incredible. If he keeps doing what he's doing, I think he'll end up one of the best horses in the world. I'm so lucky to have him, and I'm looking forward to what's coming next with him."


Of course, Swail’s four-legged partner wasn’t the only one there to celebrate—the ever-present Ralph, Swail’s loyal dog, added to the charm of the champion’s victory lap.

A Stellar 2024 Showjumping Season

Swail’s momentum didn’t stop after Kentucky. Competing in the Major League Show Jumping Series (MLSJ) with the Trawlany Trailblazers, Swail and his team dominated the 2024 season. The Trailblazers clinched back-to-back championships, with Swail contributing significantly:

  • 1 individual win
  • 2 podium finishes
  • 6 top-10 placements
  • An impressive 64% clearance rate

His consistent excellence earned him the title of MVP for the series, further solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s top competitors.


Looking Ahead to the 2025 Kentucky International

As we gear up for the 2025 Kentucky International, now elevated to a CSI5* competition, all eyes are on Swail. With his dynamic partnership with Casturano and a proven ability to shine on the world stage, Swail has the potential to leave an even bigger mark this year.

Will Swail and Casturano return to Rolex Stadium to defend their title? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the crowd will be watching, and the energy will be unforgettable.


Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the 2025 Kentucky International!

August 15, 2025
The newest addition to the 2025/2026 Major League Show Jumping event calendar is the Kentucky International CSI5*, hosted at the 2026 Kentucky Three-Day Event.
August 5, 2025
Lexington, Kentucky – August 5, 2025 – Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), has donated $20,000 to Justin’s Place, a therapeutic horse farm in Wilmore, KY, dedicated to helping children with disabilities and disorders and their families. Justin’s Place was previously named the Official Charity of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ . EEI is best known for producing the annual Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian, the nation’s premier eventing competition and one of only seven annual 5* three-day events (CCI5*-L) in the world, as well as the Cosequin ® Lexington CCI4*-S and Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute on the same weekend. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences, and a wide array of demonstrations. Committed to being a pillar of the equestrian community, both in Kentucky and throughout the world, EEI also works in collaboration with other events and organizations throughout the year to promote and elevate equestrian sports throughout the U.S. and internationally. Over the last 20 years, EEI has donated more than $1.1 million to the local and equestrian communities through its support of various charities. “EEI is committed to supporting charities that serve the local community and the equine industry,” said Molly Day, Executive Director of EEI. “It’s truly an honor to make this donation to Justin’s Place, which does so much to share the healing power of horses and give back to children with disabilities and disorders and their families.”
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