Kyle King delivers the only clear to win CSI4* Grand Prix at Desert Circuit

Thermal, California – FEI competition at the 2026 Desert Circuit came to a thrilling close on Saturday, March 14, as Kyle King and Kayenne Z captured victory in the $225,000 KASK & Vogel CSI4* Grand Prix at Desert International Horse Park.

Entering the arena as the 28th of 29 starters, King and his talented mare tackled the demanding course designed by Peter Grant while the crowd watched in suspense.

As Kayenne Z cleared the final oxer faultlessly, the grandstands erupted in applause. Until that moment, no rider had managed to produce a clear round.

King’s effort would ultimately remain the only clear round of the evening, securing him the win outright without the need for a jump-off.

“I’ve been doing this a long time; I’ve had a lot of grand prix victories, and never ever have I been the only clear,” said King. “I’ve seen it happen a million times, just never to me. If you stick around long enough, eventually it happens. I’m super proud of Kayenne. Tonight she absolutely played with the course. It was a very tricky track. Going near the end helped because I could see exactly how I wanted to ride it, but she was completely rub-free. She just cantered around like it was an equitation course. She’s an amazing, special mare.”

Finishing second as the fastest four-fault combination were Skylar Wireman and Barclino B, owned by Wireman Investment Group, stopping the clock in 75.68 seconds.

Karl Cook and Foxy de la Roque, owned by Signe Ostby, rounded out the podium in third place with four faults in 77.13 seconds.

A demanding course and a single clear round made for a dramatic finale to the FEI competition at Desert International Horse Park, with Kyle King and Kayenne Z delivering a standout performance to claim one of the most prestigious victories of the 2026 Desert Circuit.

Ph Kyle King and Kayenne Z. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

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