Karl looking like a Million bucks!

Karl Cook (USA) stands atop the podium with riders Mario Deslauriers (CAN) and Kent Farrington (USA) , pictured with Michael Hankin and the team from Brown Advisory. ( Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

Karl Cook (USA) was looking to make history at Desert International Horse Park (DIHP). Fate almost stepped in the way of him etching his name as the very first on the Coachella Cup, a new Waterford trophy presented to the winner of the inaugural $1 Million CSI5* Coachella Cup Grand Prix, presented by Brown Advisory. But his strength and determination carried him through the week and onto the top of the podium in the United States’ richest FEI Grand Prix.

Cook and his long-time partner Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet, owned by Signe Otsby, were one of 35 entries to tackle the $1 Million CSI5* Coachella Cup Grand Prix. With a course set by Alan Wade (IRL) the challenge was steep, the course was long, and the crowd was large. Cook, who suffered a hand injury Tuesday evening, went around the midway point, cranking out a clear round and guaranteeing a jump-off for the crowd.

Karl Cook (USA) and Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo

Six other pairs joined him for the short course: Mark Bluman (COL) with Ubiluc, Mario Deslauriers (CAN) with Bardolina 2, Callie Schott (USA) with Garant, Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) with Faquitol-S, Roberto Teran (COL) with BP Wakita, and Kent Farrington (USA) with Landon. Cook’s double-clear effort and time of 44.99 seconds was enough to get the job done. Farrington had a rail down with a faster time, putting him in third, while Deslauriers was the only other double-clear, landing in second in his first trip to the desert.

Cook felt that this night was different from any other big event he’s attended. “There have been million-dollar grand prixs at this facility before but never like this,” he remarked of the Coachella Cup. “Because this is five-star, this is a million, with so many riders coming in. This means so much more. The event is so much more prestigious under the lights, with great footing, and great atmosphere. It’s about the whole event, and the management team here really did a great job.”

Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet has helped Cook achieve two consecutive CSI5* Grand Prix titles at Desert International Horse Park, having won the last running of the Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) finale. She’s been a crucial member of Cook’s impressive string, and hadn’t stepped out for competition since representing the United States at FEI Nations Cup Finals in Barcelona.

“I don’t know what’s in her but she’s just amazing,” Cook reflected. “She just brings passion and when you ride her you can feel that 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.”