Thermal, CA – February 2, 2025 – Young rider Cash Delia topped a field full of professionals in the $40,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic to take home the biggest win of his career thus far on Sunday, February 2 at Desert Circuit 4, presented by La Quinta Resort & Club.
The 18-year-old from Petaluma, CA, was one of 31 entries to contest the Alan Wade-designed course, and he was one of five to successfully advance to the jump off. Delia then had the potential disadvantage of being the first to return for the short course, but he certainly did not let that deter him.
“I wanted to go fast; I wanted to win!” said Delia. “My trainer kind of settled me down, and we were going to take a slower route. Then we decided, ‘Well, why would take a slow route? We already made it this far.’ So, then I kind of just went for it!”
Went for it Delia did, as he set the time to beat at a fast 32.726 seconds that would ultimately hold up for the win. Second place with a time of 33.539 seconds went to Philippa Melski and Filoucha, owned by Buffy Hanschka. Finishing in third place were Olympic silver medalists Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque. While they were the only combination to best Delia’s time – stopping the clock in 31.875 seconds – one rail down kept them from the winner’s circle.
“It feels pretty nice [to win]!” said Delia, who trains with Mariano and Nina Alario. “It’s my first big win – definitely the biggest win I’ve had.”
These days, Delia is quick to praise his winning mount Julietta, but it wasn’t always that way.
“I hated him at first,” said Delia of his now 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding that he first began competing in the 1.10m. “I was forced to ride him, but luckily things started to click as we went on. I’m very grateful for him now – and that my mom made me ride him.”
As Delia and Julietta continue to advance, and with Sunday’s big win under his belt, Delia has his sights set on his next goal: jumping FEI.
To view full results of Sunday’s $40,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic, click here.
