Thermal, California, USA – March 12, 2023 – Winning can be contagious according to Kyle King (USA). He proved just that on Saturday of Desert Circuit VIII as he caught his own bug, winning both the $38,700 Whittier Trust Classic CSI 3* and the the $50,000 Adeptus National Grand Prix.
In both victories, you could say the cards were stacked in his favor. He jumped off late in both orders, knowing just what task lay ahead of him.
Kicking off show jumping on the grass Saturday, Kyle King (USA) took his first victory of the day, earning Odysseus his first FEI win in the $38,700 Whittier Trust Classic CSI 3*.
“‘Odie’ is a really cool addition to my string,” he said of Patricia Vasey’s homebred 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Osilvis x Riverman). “He kind of came out of nowhere. I thought he was a nice horse but I didn’t think he was as special as he’s turning out to be. This was his first FEI show period and now his first win. He’s a neat horse. He’s very modern, and very fast. He is showing he has the scope and is a winner.
Four pairs jumped clear over Marina Azevedo’s (BRA) track, with week seven’s FEI Grand Prix champion leading the pack. Katie Laurie (AUS) and Django II put in a clear effort in 48.84 seconds, which held until King and Odysseus had their shot.
“He’s like a little rocketship; he’s so fast,” King shared. “It’s really nice to have that ability to make up a second or two around the corner. He’s got the eye of a winner and the heart of a winner, and he’s proven it. He’s won three now and that gets to be contagious. When they can win something you get the confidence from them.”
The duo’s time of 47.01 seconds put them into the lead and ultimately brought home the win. Vanessa Mannix (CAN) and Kingston managed the third double-clear effort in 49.80 seconds, claiming third place.
Final Results – $38,700 Whittier Trust Classic CSI 3*
1) Kyle King (USA) & Odysseus: 2011 AHHA gelding by Osilvis x Riverman, Patricia Vasey – 0 / 0 – 47.01
2) Katie Laurie (AUS) & Django II: 2011 gelding by Lordano x Brilliant Invader, Katie Laurie – 0 / 0 – 48.84
3) Vanessa Mannix (USA) & Kingston: 2013 AES gelding by Ustinov x Insider, Vanessa Mannix – 0 / 0 – 49.80
4) Vanessa Mannic (CAN) & Valentino d’Elte: 2009 SF gelding by Castronom Z de Hus x Windsor, Vanessa Mannix – 0 / 4 – 50.63
5) Karrie Rufer (USA) & Vertige de Galarzacs: 2009 SF gelding by Quaprice Bois Margot x Si Tu Viens, Morning Star Sporthorses, LLC – 1 – 82.46
6) Ali Ramsay (CAN) & Conrado 12: 2013 ZANG gelding by Cardento x Diarado, Ramsay Equestrian Inc. – 1 – 82.98
7) Zume Gallaher (USA) & Indigo van de Muggenhoek: 2013 KWPN gelding by Montender x Riverman ISF, Blue Gate Stables, LLC – 3 – 84.51
8) Uma O’Neill (NZL) & Clockwise of Greenhill Z: 2007 ZANG stallion by Clearway x Caretino 2, O’Neill Showjumping LLC – 4 – 80.17
9) Paige Jardine (AUS) & Crazy: 2012 Hanoverian mare by Cornet Obolensky x Compliment, Paige Jardine – 4 – 80.30
10) Kaitlin Campbell (USA) & Mantua LS La Silla: 2012 SLS mare by Manzanillo LS x Risueno, SWS Training & Sales – 8 – 81.97
11) Shauna Cook (CAN) & Caya: 2013 HANN mare by Christian x Quintender 2, Sheilagh Kelly – 13 – 82.23
12) Kasey Ament (USA) & Dexter R: 2008 KWPN stallion by Namelus R x Contender, Lornnah Investments, LLC – 13 – 86.15
Source: Press Release (edited) by Tori Bilas for Desert International Horse Park (DIHP)
Photos: © DIHP / HD – High Desert Photo / MG / ON
Categories: Desert Horse Park, USEF Rated
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