James Chawke Reveals a Star in the $25,000 FarmVet Open Classic

By Jumper News on 2024-01-27

Thermal, California, USA – January 25, 2024 – James Chawke (IRL) brought Isa out for the first time during Desert Circuit I, and it’s only taken him three weeks to reach the winner’s circle with her. Aboard Elise Haas’ 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, Chawke took top honors in the $25,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic, held under the lights Thursday evening.

Against 34 other competitors, Chawke piloted the mare around the course in 63.111 seconds, leaving a competitive field to catch him.

Only Gregory Wathelet (BEL) came close to the time, clocking in at 63.680 seconds aboard Beau Gosse du Park for second, while Kaitlin Campbell (USA) and the SWS Training & Sales entry Sun Warrior took third.

“I really like her; she’s great,” Chawke said of how he’s finding Isa so far, still early in their partnership. “I’m just figuring her out. We just jumped in a couple classes [week one] and she was third in the 1.40m Classic. I gave her a week off and jumped her yesterday, and then today. She wants to be careful, she seems very sweet.”

Thursday’s class is not typically held under the lights, but the weather in the early part of the week impacted the day’s schedule, giving the 1.45m competitors a chance to shine. Isa rose to the occasion, despite being new to the setting.

“She was really good tonight,” Chawke reflected on the round. “Obviously I haven’t jumped her that big or under the lights before but she did really nicely. She’s quick enough and the night setting didn’t seem to faze her at all. I’m trying to learn her step but I thought she was really good. A few things to polish up a little.”

With many weeks to go during the circuit, Chawke knows the horse has more potential, and there are plenty of opportunities to show her off. “I’d like to do a national grand prix and maybe she could jog [for FEI] a couple weeks ideally,” he said of his plan as he continues to work with her.