Thermal, CA – February 9, 2025 – After already topping Wednesday’s $10,000 Barnwalkers Welcome Speed, Amanda Gomez and Charly-Ann returned to the Desert International Horse Park’s Grass Field on Sunday, February 9 to do it again. This time, they rode away with victory in the $30,000 Marshall + Sterling Insurance 1.40m Open Classic.
On their way to the win, Gomez and Charly-Ann were one of seven entries to jump clear over the Peter Holmes-designed course. Gomez also qualified her second mount, Coldplay, which gave her her first shot at the short course.
“I thought the jump-off honestly wasn’t too technical,” said Gomez. “I knew on my big horse, [Coldplay] that I could probably be double clear. I ended up doing a number that I should have done one less and had one down on him. Of course, coming out I was a bit annoyed just at myself and that situation.”
Gomez and Coldplay were not the only ones with one down, however. Each of the five other returners also had one rail down apiece. So, when it came time for Gomez and Charly-Ann to jump last, Gomez knew all she had to do was deliver a smooth, clear round.
“I knew on my mare that it was a good course for her if I could just let her flow and just use her natural food speed,” explained Gomez. “That was always my plan. Going in knowing that I was the only double clear on a horse like her almost is more pressure. It’s almost easier for her to be faster and more competitive than it is to ease off and be more careful. Thankfully, she was just quiet enough for me today. She wasn’t too arguable in the jump-off. She let me ride a little slower. She jumped great.”
With a double clear effort in a time of 46.774 seconds, Gomez took home the win. Second place with four faults in a time of 40.245 seconds went to Simon Schroeder and Calco de Trivera, owned by David Bustillos. Finishing in third was Kyle King, who rode The Chess Group’s Replay Touch van de Stapelheyde to four faults in 43.262 seconds.
Gomez was, of course, pleased with the result, particularly because she utilized Desert Circuit 5 as what she described as “an experimental week.”
“I wasn’t sure how she was going to handle the grass this week,” said Gomez. “Usually, I feel like she’s a bit more scopey in the grand prix ring. She loves the footing out there…She jumped so well on Wednesday, I thought, ‘I’m just going to save her for the 1.40m Sunday.’ I’m really glad I did that. She just jumped better the more time she spent out on the grass. I’m really excited, and I’m looking forward to next week as well.”
For full results of the $30,000 Marshall + Sterling Insurance 1.40m Open Classic, click here.
