Thermal, Calif. – Amanda Gomez and Charly-Ann have amassed seven headlining victories at Desert International Horse Park over the course of their two-and-a-half-year partnership, and on Sunday, January 18 at Desert Circuit 2, they made it eight. The pair picked up their first blue ribbon of 2026 with the victory in the $30,000 Marshall+Sterling 1.40m Open Classic.
Gomez and the 15-year-old Holsteiner mare were one of 13 entries to qualify for the jump-off, and as only the fourth to return for the Cedric Longis-designed short course, Gomez knew she needed to throw down the gauntlet to the rest of her competitors.
Amanda Gomez and Charly-Ann. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“I knew the jump-off was going to be a bit tough with 13 in it; it’s always going to be fast here!” said Gomez. “I knew having the competition behind me that I did, I was going to have to be as quick as I could be and just hope that I put enough pressure on the rest of the competition. Thank goodness I did that today!”
Gomez’s jump-off round put her well ahead of the rest of the field with a time of 35.712 seconds. Second place on 39.204 seconds went to Matt Archer and Luigi VD Bisschop, owned by Rhys Farms, LLC. Rounding out the top three with a time of 45.968 seconds were Lisa Carlsen and her own Lanabelle II-S.
Amanda Gomez and Charly-Ann topped the $30,000 Marshall+Sterling 1.40m Open Classic. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“The mare was jumping unbelievably well, and she walked in that jump-off wanting to win probably more than I did today,” said Gomez. “It was a good result, and we’re very, very happy. I owe everything to [Charly-Ann]. She has so much heart, and every time I get to jump her, I am so grateful.”
In speaking of her goals for the remainder of Desert Circuit with Charly-Ann, owned by Rising Star Equestrian, Gomez continued, “My plans with Charly this year are going to be a bit softer. She’s 15 this year. I’m going to send her home after this week. She’ll get to go home and rest for a week, and then we’ll bring her back. I’m just going to really target the 1.40m and 1.45m classes on Thursdays and Sundays with her and just try to save her and place her where she’s most competitive.”
For full results from Sunday’s $30,000 Marshall+Sterling 1.40m Open Classic, click here.
Amanda Gomez and Charly-Ann. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
With 10 weeks of top-caliber competition, Desert Circuit at Desert International Horse Park continues through March 15, 2026. To view a complete schedule and learn more, visit deserthorsepark.com.