Thermal, United States – January 31, 2026 – When Kyle King‘s (USA) initial jump-off plan didn’t quite come to fruition, it became the winning move in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Thermal (USA). King and his 11-year-old mare Kayenne Z bested a seven-horse jump-off Saturday night at the Desert International Horse Park, giving the athlete his first career World Cup victory.
The pair crossed the timers of Alan Wade‘s (IRL) short course in a winning time of 36.46 seconds. It was an all-American podium as Karl Cook (USA) finished second with Foxy de la Roque (36.60s), followed by Kaitlin Campbell (USA) and Karius (39.96).
“This horse means everything. This mare has been delivering dreams one after another here. ”Kyle King (USA)
The win also marked King’s first career five-star Grand Prix victory, made more meaningful by the fact that he partnered with Kayenne Z less than a year ago at the Thermal venue. The mare was originally meant to be for sale until King discovered more potential in the strong-willed horse.
“[I realized] she could handle some pressure, and I could feel that she was growing, and she’s special—kind of like a bull,” King shared. “She has done amazing things—things I’ve wanted to do my whole career. I’ve been waiting for a horse like this.”
Wade’s jump-off was a test of turns and trust, and with defending champions Kent Farrington (USA) and Toulayna slated to jump last, athletes early in the order set out with bold plans with hopes that the World No. 1 might not be able to catch them. This resulted in the lead changing hands four times through the first five riders. Conor Swail (IRL) set an early standard with an accurate clear effort aboard Casturano. Campbell was the next to hold the top spot, albeit briefly, before Cook left out strides in the first and final lines to shave more than three seconds off the clock. Then it was King’s turn. He and Kayenne Z set themselves apart with an especially tight turn back to the jump-off’s fourth fence, galloping home about two-tenths of a second ahead of the pace.
“I almost made a mistake on the rollback to the purple jump, but it worked out, and I think that’s where I was able to be competitive,” King said. “Sometimes mistakes work out. I turned up wrong, but [the stride] showed up.”
From there, it was an anxious wait through Gregory Wathelet (BEL) and Farrington, but King put enough pressure on the elite athletes to cause them to make mistakes. Both incurred faults in their chase, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively.
“I knew Kent could catch me, obviously, if he was clear. But sometimes it’s just meant to be,” King said. “I really was going to be satisfied with a double-clear tonight…I just figured, ‘Let’s go for it!'”
Final Results – $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Thermal CSI 5*-W, sponsored by La Quinta Resort & Club
1) Kyle King (USA) & Kayenne – 0 / 0 – 36.46
2) Karl Cook (USA) & Foxy de la Roque – 0 / 0 – 36.60
3) Kaitlin Campbell (USA) & Karius – 0 / 0 – 39.96
Source: Press Release by Catie Staszak for the FEI – Fédération Équestre Internationale
Photos: © FEI / Sara Shier
Categories: CSI 5*-W, English, Jumper News USA, Longines FEI Jumping World Cup
