Conor Swail strikes gold in Sacramento

Conor Swail and Vital Chance de la Roque made a winning start to the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup season in Sacramento on Saturday.

Olaf Petersen's course proved tough to navigate and a clear round was not produced until Swail cracked the code 19 riders into the starting order.

The jump-off field would ultimately consist of just three competitors and Swail put his rivals away with a second clear effort in a sharp time of 38.19 seconds.

Sophia Siegel and A-Girl finished second, with Siegel's US compatriot rounding off the podium places on Chance Ste Hermelle.

Speaking afterwards, a delighted Swail said of his mount: "Every time I ride him, I know he's going to give me a good shot. The two of us just seem to have a good partnership. Today, he jumped so well."