Thermal, CA – January 12, 2025 – It has been over a decade since Trapp O’Neal last competed at what is now the Desert International Horse Park, but now that he is back, the Texas-based rider has wasted no time in returning to the winner’s circle. On Sunday morning, January 12, O’Neal piloted Chili van het Schaeck Z to victory in the $15,000 Marshall + Sterling 1.40m Open Classic to kick off his time at Desert Circuit.
As one of eight entries to jump clear over the first-round, Cedric Longis-designed course, O’Neal had the advantage of being the final rider to return to the Grand Prix Arena for the jump-off.
“I was fortunate to have two in the jump-off, so any time you can do it a second time, you try to do it better,” said O’Neal. “My first horse jumped it lovely – very cautious but double clean. That’s what I wanted for him. I felt like with Chili, I could take a shot. Going last, I knew what I needed to do to win the class, and it paid off today!”
With a strong, long gallop to the final oxer, O’Neal and “Chili” crossed the finish in 41.072 seconds for the win. Second place with a time of 42.045 seconds went to junior rider Reagan Tomb aboard Gulf’s Emir, and Emily Esau Williams and Stadolando PS took home third with a time of 42.174 seconds.
“She’s a great mare,” said O’Neal of the 11-year-old Zangersheide, owned by Sweet Oak Farm. “She’s got a lot of spice to her. I’ve had her for about six months now. She was entrusted to me from a good friend who is also a good horseman, so this is a good win for us. It marks some progression and hard work with her. She’s very brave and very sporty and game. So, today was a nice victory.”
O’Neal continued, “She’s a strong mare and very bold, so you have to be nice to her and precise – but you can trust her too. That’s what I did today; I let her gallop a little bit and trusted her scope, and it paid off.”
For full results of the $15,000 Marshall + Sterling 1.40m Open Classic, click here.
With Desert Circuit 1 now in the books, O’Neal is looking forward to enjoying the remainder of the 10-week circuit with his family and team at TKO Sporthorses.
“This is my first time here in over 10 years,” concluded O’Neal. “I brought my family out here, and so far, we love it. The staff has been tremendously friendly; the facilities for the horses are first class. The footing is top; the weather is top. It’s been great. We’re very happy with our decision to come out here!”
To learn more about all competition at the Desert International Horse Park, visit DesertHorsePark.com.
