Thermal, California, United States – March 15, 2025 – Belgium’s Jos Verlooy (BEL) and FTS Killossery Konfusion concluded the 2024-2025 Desert International Horse Park season by doing the same thing they have been doing all circuit: winning.
Verlooy and “Konfusion” claimed their third grand prix victory of the winter in the $200,000 KASK & Vogel Grand Prix CSI 4* on Saturday, March 15, following an exhilarating jump-off of some of Desert Circuit’s most successful combinations.
Peter Grant (CAN) set the track for the Desert Circuit 10 culminating class, and a field of 33 entries took it on in front of a full house under the lights of the Grand Prix Arena. At the end of the first round, eight riders had secured their spots in the jump-off, where it quickly turned into a lightning-fast race against the clock.
When Verlooy returned to the ring, the time to beat had been set at 45.35 seconds by another of the season’s winningest combinations, the Keri Potter (USA) and Kalimera van de Nethe Z. While Potter’s was a fast time, Verlooy knew he badly wanted the win and that, with FTS Killossery Konfusion, he had the right horse to bring home the victory.
“I was so willing to win this grand prix,” said Verlooy. “From the beginning of the circuit, it was going great. This whole week, [this class is] already itching me. I won the grand prix last week, and it was itching me to win again this week! I didn’t want to let [FTS Killossery Konfusion] down. I was lucky to go in the end, and I saw a few before me; they were very, very fast. So, I was just going to go all or nothing, and thank God it worked out and it was everything!”
As Verlooy flew over the final oxer in front of the VIP Palm Club, the timers flashed 44.03 seconds, which would ultimately secure him the win. Potter and Kalimera van de Nethe Z, owned by Karl Cook, held on to second place.
Third place with a time of 45.61 seconds went to Ireland’s Conor Swail (IRL) and My Lady Lavista, owned by Cherokee Show Horses.
“It’s been an unbelievable season,” said Verlooy. “I won three out of five grand prix [that Konfusion jumped], and I was second in one of the CSI 5*. So, all the credit to my horse. He’s been in incredible form, and I think this was a cherry on the cake with this jump-off.”
Verlooy has been partnered with Konfusion for roughly four years, and he is selective in the classes he chooses for the 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, owned by Euro Horse.
“Just the good money classes – I really just kept him fresh for those classes, and he really knows when the day is to perform,” said Verlooy. “He knows his job. He knows that he has to be clear and fast. He just knows also tonight is special. It was full house tonight, and the horse is smart so he knows. He just knew that the today was the day to perform!”
Verlooy and Konfusion also had two extra guests to perform for on Saturday.
“My parents arrived this week,” concluded Verlooy. “My whole circuit was very good. So, I’m happy now that my parents are here and that I can top it off with a grand prix win!”
Final Results – $200,000 KASK & Vogel Grand Prix CSI 4*
1) Jos Verlooy (BEL) & FTS Killossery Konfusion – 0 / 0 – 44.03
2) Keri Potter (USA) & Kalimera van de Nethe Z – 0 / 0 – 45.35
3) Conor Swail (IRL) & My Lady Lavista – 0 / 0 – 45.61
Source: Press Release from Desert International Horse Park
Photos: © DIHP / High Desert Photo / MG Photography
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Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News Belgie
