Thermal, California, USA – January 09, 2025 – A partnership of nearly four years helped Megan McDermott (USA) and Nintendo top the $15,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic by a margin of almost four seconds on Thursday, January 9, at Desert Circuit 1, presented by Kubota. 

McDermott and the 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding were the first pair to jump-off over the course set in the Desert International Horse Park’s Grand Prix Arena, and they laid down a time to beat of 44.593 seconds that would prove uncatchable.

Coming the closest to besting McDermott were Kyle King (USA) and Igelo, owned by Hawk Hollow Farm. The pair crossed the finish in 48.591 seconds to ultimately take home second place. Finishing in both third and fourth with the only other double clear rounds was Melody Liu aboard Napoleon van den Dael and Athena, respectively.

“I love Nintendo so much; he’s the best horse ever!” said McDermott immediately following her victory. “[After four years], he’s really, really like a partner now. It’s probably the longest I have ever had a horse competing at a decent level consistently. There’s no substitute for the time in the saddle with the same horse. We’re very in sync. Today was totally a challenge because of the wind. He had a lot to be distracted by, but he was locked in and really there for me in the ring.

“I really liked the jump-off course,” continued McDermott in speaking of the track set by course designer Cedric Longis. “Honestly, the biggest thing that I was worried about was the wind. Because there were a lot of sweeping forward turns, if the horse does get a little distracted in one of those…it can be a little dicey, but my horse was laser locked especially in the jump-off. He’s so fast, and I know him so well, so it’s very easy to cover the ground quickly and efficiently. I can take a couple chances because I can trust him so much.”

The 2024 Desert Circuit marked McDermott’s first time competing at the Desert International Horse Park, and now, she’s thrilled to be back for the duration of this year’s circuit. With Nintendo, owned by Counter Balance LLC, she has her sights set on the circuit’s FEI offerings.

“Last time, [Nintendo] kind of moved up and really became a consistent three-star horse,” said McDermott. “Then in the summer and fall, he kind of pushed a little beyond that. So, I’m hoping that this year, he’s able to jump the four-star grand prix comfortably and try to win as much as we can at that level this year.”

Competition at Desert Circuit 1, presented by Kubota, continues through Sunday, January 12, with highlights including Saturday evening’s $25,000 Kubota Grand Prix. For a full schedule, click here, and for further results of Thursday’s $15,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic, visit dihp.showgroundslive.com.

Final Results – $15,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic

1) Megan McDermott (USA) & Nintendo – 0 / 0 – 44.593

2) Kyle King (USA) & Igelo – 0 / 0 – 48.591

3) Melody Liu (USA) & Napoleon van den Dael – 0 / 0 – 48.883

Source: Press Release from Desert International Horse Park

Photo: © DIHP / High Desert Photography

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