Press release from Desert International Horse Park

Kicking off show jumping on the grass Saturday, Kyle King (USA) took his first victory of the day, earning Odysseus his first FEI win in the $38,700 Whittier Trust CSI3* 1.45m Classic.

“‘Odie’ is a really cool addition to my string,” he said of Patricia Vasey’s homebred 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Osilvis x Riverman). “He kind of came out of nowhere. I thought he was a nice horse but I didn’t think he was as special as he’s turning out to be. This was his first FEI show period and now his first win. He’s a neat horse. He’s very modern, and very fast. He is showing he has the scope and is a winner.

Four pairs jumped clear over Marina Azevedo’s (BRA) track, with week seven’s FEI Grand Prix champion leading the pack. Katie Laurie (AUS) and Django II put in a clear effort in 48.84 seconds, which held until King and Odysseus had their shot.

“He’s like a little rocketship; he’s so fast,” King shared. “It’s really nice to have that ability to make up a second or two around the corner. He’s got the eye of a winner and the heart of a winner, and he’s proven it. He’s won three now and that gets to be contagious. When they can win something you get the confidence from them.”

The duo’s time of 47.01 seconds put them into the lead and ultimately brought home the win. Vanessa Mannix (CAN) and Kingston managed the third double-clear effort in 49.80 seconds, claiming third.