Thermal, California, USA – December 05, 2024 – Brazil’s Eduardo Menezes (BRA) had both a late spot in the order and his longtime partner Calypso des Matis on his side as he jumped to the win in Thursday’s $32,000 IDA Development Speed CSI 2*. 

A field of 73 entries took on the CSI 2* kick-off class at Desert Holiday I, which proved to be a hotly contested race against the clock.

When Menezes and Calypso des Matis entered the Grand Prix Stadium as the 65^th to jump, the time to beat had been set at 62.93 seconds by Ireland’s James Chawke (IRL) and Daido van’t Ruytershof Z. With Calypso des Matis’ fast foot speed, Menezes blazed through the timers in 61.58 seconds to ultimately take home the win.

Narrowly edging his way into third place with a time of 63.83 seconds was Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) aboard Belle de Muze while Laura Kraut (USA) and Tres Bien Z took home fourth on a time of 63.85 seconds.

“I’m lucky I have a very fast horse and that I was late in the draw, so I could see a bit what people were doing,” said Menezes. “I think we did a bit all the same [track], but I have a fast horse, so I ended up in front of the others.” 

Menezes has been partnered with Calypso des Matis for several years, having made his FEI debut with the 12-year-old Selle Français gelding back in 2020.

“He’s really a real winner in these 1.45-1.50m speeds,” said Menezes. “He’s super fast, super careful. I can always count on him. He has his own mind, so he loves to go his own way. So, you need to convince him to do what you want, making him believe that that’s what he wants!” 

Final Results – $32,000 IDA Development Speed Challenge CSI 2*

1) Eduardo Menezes (BRA) & Calypso des Matis – 0 – 61.58

2) James Chawke (IRL) & Daido van’t Ruytershof Z – 0 / 0 – 62.93

3) Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) & Belle de Muze– 0 / 0 – 63.83

Source: Press Release from DIHP – Desert International Horse Park

Photos: © DIHP / High Desert Photo / MG Photography

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