IRELAND’s top ranked show jumper Conor Swail gave a masterpiece on how to hold on tight without a bridle at last weekend’s CHI Geneva at the Palexpo Arena. The USA-based Co Down man travelled back to Europe last week for the world famous show, and it was worth his while as he won a five-star class aboard Count Me In, despite missing out on jumping in the Rolex Top 10 final on technical grounds.

The world number five was lucky not to ‘bite the dust’ after crossing the finish line in Saturday’s 1.55m Table A. The 13-year-old gelding Vital Chance de la Roque gave a playful buck when crossing the finish line which threw Swail up his neck. When trying to get back in the saddle, the bridle came straight off his head and, getting a fright, the gelding galloped away with Swail going a masterful job at staying on and calming the gelding.

Despite the near mishap, the pair finished in fourth place in the class, which was won by Shane Sweetnam (see page 71).