Langley, Canada — May 27, 2026 — Ninja BF jumped his first ever international class on Wednesday in the $5,000 Welcome CSI 2* – 1.40m—and promptly collected his first international win. Piloted by Kyle King (USA), the pair stopped the timers on Peter Holmes’ (CAN) speed track in 65.29 seconds to win the first international class of the Odlum Brown BC Open at Thunderbird Show Park.

Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (MEX) and Kacentano RA secured second place with a time of 66.04 seconds, while Karrie Rufer (USA) and Shanroe Peeters rounded out the top three in 66.6 seconds.

Late in the draw of the 28-horse start list, King leveraged the 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding’s natural pace to set the standard.

“Ninja’s a very fast horse. I thought it was a pretty straightforward class, mostly single jumps, and he just kind of goes that way, that’s his rhythm. He’s normally pretty fast,” said King, noting the horse made a big effort at the double.

“It showed up a little long,” King explained. “He’s so careful. Sometimes when I get long coming into a double, he would think about the second jump and forget about the back rail. I was really proud of him to really focus and, even on the long distance there, he finished behind and jumped a very good double.”

The Canadian-bred gelding (Chacoon Blue x Ferro) came into King’s string through a connection spanning three decades. After being sent east for his formative years with Irish rider Kevin Gallagher, a phone call led to the new pairing.

“[Ninja BF’s owner] Richard Kirby and I have been friends for 30 years,” King recalled. “Kevin was going to Europe for the winter and Richard thought we’d be a good match.”

His record with the horse this winter quickly proved that hunch correct. King has picked up several podium finishes with the speedy bay at Desert Horse Park and Del Mar. And now, at tbird, he added his first international win. 

“He has had a lot of wins,” King continued. “He’s a very talented horse. We’re just getting the miles on him. I think he’s got a very bright future in show jumping.”

Off the course, King describes his new partner as a gentle soul finding his confidence.

“He’s a very sweet horse. He is a little spooky at things on the rail, but most quality horses are. He’s a big pet,” King smiled. “We’re kind of bonding now. He can be a little bit nervous at times, but I think we’re understanding each other.”

Final Results — $5,000 Welcome CSI 2*

1) Kyle King (USA) & Ninja BF – 0 – 65.29

2) Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (MEX) & Kacetano RA – 0 – 66.04

3) Karrie Rufer (USA) & Shanroe Peeters – 0 – 66.60

Source: Press Release from Thunderbird Show Park

Photos: © Tbird / Kim Gaudry

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