The podium for the first Coachella Cup $1 million grand prix was dominated by members of the squad that took team gold for the U.S. at the Pan American Games in October, qualifying the country for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
There was a time when $1 million grands prix were held in several parts of the country, but now the California Desert Circuit 5-star is the only one, drawing 35 entries for the 5-star competition.
It was a goal for many of the biggest names in the sport, but the one who made it to the winner’s circle Saturday night was Karl Cook on Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet. He also won last year’s 5-star for a lesser purse with the mare.
Karl Cook and Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet on their way to victory. (High Desert Sport Photo)
“I don’t know what’s in her, but she’s amazing,” Karl said, commenting on her passion.
“Sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming when she’s leaping in the air. But she just has such drive and such desire to do the job well, and she loves doing the job. It then inspires you as a rider and as anyone who’s around her. She inspires them and lifts everyone up.”
Seven entries qualified for the jump-off over Alan Wade’s course at the Desert International Horse Park, but only Karl and Canada’s Mario Deslauriers on Bardolina were fault-free in the tie-breaker, finishing in 44.99 and 46.86 seconds respectively. Karl’s gold medal Pan Am teammate, Kent Farrington, had the fastest round, 43.75 seconds on Landon, but dropped a rail to finish third.
Karl had injured his left hand Tuesday night, but he didn’t consider scratching.
“It’s just a few stitches to the hand, a flesh wound,” he said.
“I was always going to ride. It was just how bad it was going to hurt. Everyone has issues they’ve got to overcome.”
With the Paris Olympics eight months away, Karl is looking like a real possibility for the three-member team that will compete there for the U.S. He also has another exciting mount in his Pan Am horse, Caracole de la Roque.
Those who didn’t get near the top of the leaderboard included Daniel Bluman. The winner of the grand prix at the Royal Winter Fair last month with Gemma W, the Israeli rider finished an unlucky 13th with Ladriano Z, while McLain Ward — also a member of the USA’s winning Pan Am team — retired for the evening with Contagious.
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