CSN

The Wins Continue! Kyle King & SIG Chiari on Top Again in $30,000 FarmVet Open Classic

Thermal, California, USA – March 09, 2023 – It was a busy day at the Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) on Thursday. Later in the day on the grass field, national show jumpers gave their best shot at the $30,000 FarmVet Open Classic 1.45m, adding more points to their names on the Open Jumper Rider Leaderboard.

With his sights set on multiple leaderboards, Kyle King (USA) clocked in with a very quick time aboard SIG Chiari, owned by SIG International Inc., to ultimately take the win.

Kyle King (USA) & SIG Chiari

“Shota Ogomori from SIG thought I’d like the horse a lot and he was right,” King said of the 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Cristallo II x Landadel). “It took me a minute to get him going; I didn’t know what he really had in there. He’s proven to be so consistent and a really cool horse. He’s so fast; I’ve done him in a couple three-stars now and he’s proven he can jump that level. He’s a lovely modern horse.”

The grass is a change of pace for all the jumpers for Desert Circuit VIII and IX, but it’s a welcome change for many, including King and his mounts. “He’s even better on the grass honestly,” King continued. “He’s good everywhere, but I particularly like him out here because it fits his stride. I was able to drop a stride early in the course today and just follow the rhythm around the course.”

Mark Kinsella (IRL) took an early lead with Ben Asselin’s Quality H and ultimately finished third.

Robert Blanchette (IRL) and the RTS Holdings LLC entry Carnlea Balou Premier jumped up the leaderboard to claim second place.

Kyle King (USA) & SIG Chiari

King has big goals to finish out Desert Circuit, keeping his eye on the bigger prize, but also aware he has the horsepower to claim quite a few of the final big classes. “I’m in the lead right now for the $100,000 [National Grand Prix Rider] Bonus. Cerolino jumped really well today so I think I might do Cerolino this Saturday and save [SIG Chiari] for the final one next Saturday. That’s my goal with those two. That’s a big rider bonus; I want to stay on it,” he shared.

Show jumping continues Friday with the $10,000 1.40m NAYC Trial in the Grand Prix Arena and the $38,700 Speed CSI 3* 1.50m on the grass field.

Kyle King (USA) & SIG Chiari in their winning presentation, pictured with Sam Laurie and Kristian Rhoads from FarmVet. 

Final Results – $30,000 FarmVet Open Classic 1.45m

1) Kyle King (USA) & SIG Chiari / SIG International Inc – 0 – 61.591

2) Robert Blanchette (IRL) & Carnlea Premier Balou / Robert Blanchette / RTS Holdings LLC – 0 – 63.980

3) Mark Kinsella (IRL) & Quality H / Ben Asselin – 0 – 65.186

4) Kyle King (USA) & Cerolino / Strasburg Morin Inc – 0 – 66.378

5. Samara Heinrichs Prak (CAN) & Peninsula Swanky / Samara Heinrichs Prak – 0 – 67.866

6) Hanna Heidegger (USA) & BEX Pixielott / Ateam Sporthorses – 0 – 69.889

7) Katie Harris (USA) & Macho-Blue PS / Katie Harris – 0 – 70.099

8) Joie Gatlin (USA) & Uccello De Will / Oakland Ventures LLC – 0 – 74.482

9) Ashley Papalia (CAN) &Comme Tu Veux Z / Ashley Papalia – 0 – 75.761

10) Laura Hite (USA) & Chagall De Toscane / HF Farms – 2 –78.262

11) Kyle King (USA) & Ittolo / Kerri Volek – 4 – 64.378

12) Nicky Galligan (IRL) & Eames MZ / Santa Rosa Group – 4 – 66.092

Source: Press Release by Tori Bilas for Desert International Horse Park

Photos: © DIHP / HD – High Desert Photo / MG / ON