Ireland’s Conor Swail recorded his second consecutive victory of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup North American League season in Sacramento ©FEI

Ireland’s Conor Swail recorded his second consecutive victory at the Longines International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Jumping World Cup North American League season when he won in Sacramento tonight.

Swail and his mount Vital Chance de la Roque followed up their triumph in Vancouver last month, by romping to another win after winning a four-horse jump-off in front of a packed crowd at the Murieta Equestrian Center in California’s state capital.

The 50-year-old Swail from County Down in Northern Ireland and "Vinny", as the 12-year-old gelding is affectionately known, finished more than a second ahead of Canada’s Erynn Ballard on Huberth B after covering the jump-off course in 36.12sec.

Americans Misti Cassar on Mylord Cornet and Natalie Dean on Cocolina finished third and fourth, respectively, after also contesting the jump-off.

Swail and "Vinny" have now won five grand prix events since June.

This latest victory was worth $75,240 (£55,270/€65,000) in prize money.

"He was wonderful here tonight," Swail said.

"He was probably one of the favourites coming in.

"I’m delighted that he’s living up to the reputation he’s making for himself."

Ballard settled for second with her brand-new mount, an impressive feat considering she had only begun riding it two weeks ago.

Ireland's Conor Swail has now won five grand prix events since June on his mount Vital Chance de la Roque, affectionately known as
Ireland's Conor Swail has now won five grand prix events since June on his mount Vital Chance de la Roque, affectionately known as "Vinny" ©FEI

"Erynn put up a tough enough round that I thought it was going to be another tough test," Swail said.

"But [my horse] handled himself extremely well."

Swail’s World Cup results have now spanned two countries and two drastically different venues.

In Vancouver, the duo navigated a spacious outdoor arena, while in Sacramento, they were met with a small, covered space.

"[Vancouver] was outside, and [course designer] Peter Holmes built it quite like an indoor track I thought, but it’s still a covered arena here, and the crowd is up against you," Swail said.

"[My horse] is answering every question, and the crowd was awesome tonight.

"It’s wonderful having people back [in the stands]. 

"We get a thrill out of it as well."

Swail now holds a commanding lead in the North American League with 37 points.

Ballard and Australia’s Rowan Willis sit second and third, respectively, both with 17 points.

The North American League is now scheduled to head east to Tryon in North Carolina on October 30.