Thermal, Calif. – Ireland’s James Chawke captured the first CSI5* win of his career on Wednesday, January 28, as he piloted Daido van’t Ruytershof Z to victory in the $32,000 Aleron CSI5*-W 1.45m Welcome Speed.
The class marked the start of CSI5*-W competition at Desert Circuit 4, which culminates on Saturday, January 31, with the $340,000 CSI5* Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – Thermal at Desert International Horse Park.
James Chawke and Daido van’t Ruytershof Z. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
A field of 36 entries took on the Wednesday afternoon kick-off competition, with course designers Alan Wade and Colm Quinn setting the one-round speed track. Chawke and Daido van’t Ruytershof Z entered the Grand Prix Stadium in the middle of the order, and they easily shaved more than a second and a half off the previously leading time to take over the top spot in 61.78 seconds.
Finishing in second place with a time of 63.43 seconds were Canada’s Tiffany Foster and Battlecry, owned by Artisan Farms LLC and Kent Farrington LLC. After piloting Justin Resnik’s Cielo to a time of 64.50 seconds, Skylar Wireman (USA) rounded out the top three.
James Chawke and Daido van’t Ruytershof Z were presented as the winners of the $32,000 Aleron CSI5*-W 1.45m Welcome Speed. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“I’m really happy,” said Chawke of his inaugural CSI5* victory. “I thought the track was very good. Alan [Wade] always builds a good course. I actually didn’t think it was so easy; all the lines were a bit the same in that everyone kind of had to do the same number. So, it was just trying to be quick around the turns.”
Chawke has been partnered with his winning mount, Daido van’t Ruytershof Z for almost exactly two years, and in speaking of the 12-year-old Zangersheide mare, owned by Jan Van Alken, he added, “She’s a really quick horse. She’s very careful and very game. She’s spicy for sure. She has her own opinions, but she’s very sweet.”
James Chawke and Daido van’t Ruytershof Z. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
To view full results of the $32,000 Aleron CSI5*-W 1.45m Welcome Speed, click here.
With 10 weeks of top-caliber competition, Desert Circuit at Desert International Horse Park continues through March 15, 2026. To learn more, visit deserthorsepark.com.