While moviegoers are flocking to theaters to watch the epic tale of The Odyssey, Kyle King wrote his own heroic story on Saturday, piloting Odysseus to victory in the $62,500 CSI2* Grand Prix 1.45m at Thunderbird Show Park’s BCHJA Fall Finale.
The 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding was absent from start lists this past winter, returning to the international competition in May—and dominating at tbird this week. The pair haven’t finished outside the top two in the three CSI2* classes they’ve contested.
“I was second in the other two [ranking] classes. Honestly, he feels better than ever,” King said of the horse owned by Patricia Vasey. “I was just telling Patty I don’t know if he’s ever felt better.”
Twelve combinations advanced to Peter Holmes’ short course. Perennial favorites Kassidy Keith and Havana (fifth to return) set an efficient standard, stopping the timers at 40 seconds flat. King and the ever-speedy Odysseus shaved nearly a second and a half off that time, crossing the finish line in 38.67 seconds.
Braden James and Hermes des Carmilles, winners of Friday’s CSI2* 1.45m Winning Round, came closest to catching the leader. The pair stopped the clock just three-tenths of a second slower at 38.96, settling for second place, while Keith held on for third.
“They’re pretty hungry,” King said of his competitors. “I think Kassidy showed some good experience and laid down a really solid trip, and I had to go chase her. But I was ready and in the position today to go catch her. I did it right away at the beginning, first to second jump.
“I think [James] added a one [stride] at the second to last jump, which probably cost him that half a second, but he was right there,” King added. “Those kids are young and hungry and fast.”
Saturday’s Grand Prix concluded the international season at tbird.
$62,500 CSI2* Grand Prix 1.45m Top 10
| Rank | Horse | Rider | Nation | Owner | Faults | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Odysseus | Kyle King | CAN | Patricia Vasey | 0/0 | 38.67 |
| 2 | Hermes des Carmilles | Braden James | CAN | Stump Lake Ranch and Cattle Co Ltd | 0/0 | 38.96 |
| 3 | Havana | Kassidy Keith | CAN | Kassidy Keith | 0/0 | 40.00 |
| 4 | Steadfast | Tiffany Foster | CAN | Artisan Farms LLC | 0/0 | 40.89 |
| 5 | Clan de Nyze Z | Reagan Tomb | USA | Ashley Papalia | 0/0 | 45.23 |
| 6 | Nijinsky 10 | Reagan Tomb | USA | Greg Tomb | 0/4 | 39.43 |
| 7 | T Chacoon van de Ultrahoeve | Francisco Lomelin | MEX | Francisco Lomelin | 0/4 | 39.67 |
| 8 | CMS Garadice Shore | Karianne Boyce-Lockhart | USA | Karianne Boyce-Lockhart | 0/12 | 43.35 |
| 9 | Stakki Boy-KL | Shane Moloney | IRL | Tracey Epp | 0/15 | 59.43 |
| 9 | C’Diam de Ste Anne | Emmeline Adamick | USA | Hawk Hollow Farm | 0/15 | 59.43 |
Photo credit: Kady Dane Photography
