Thermal, Calif. – Fresh off a victory in Desert Circuit 5’s Welcome Speed, James Chawke and Nacara van Berkenbroeck Z returned to the Grass Field at Desert International Horse Park to make it two in a row with a win in the $30,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic.
This time, Chawke and Nacara van Berkenbroeck Z had to best a five-horse jump-off, but they did so with ease. They cruised over the short course, designed by Peter Holmes, in a winning time of 42.69 seconds. Finishing in second place, as the only other rider to produce a double clear effort, was Michelle Parker aboard Easy Does It, owned by Cross Creek Farms Inc. Third place on four faults went to Kyle King and Richard Kirby’s Ninja BF.
“He was great again,” said Chawke. “I always like the grass. We compete on the grass a lot…For me, my horses seem to like it. [Nacara van Berkenbroeck Z] is naturally very fast, and then you can always turn back quite tight. He likes to gallop, so it’s easy enough to be quick on him.”
As for what is next for the 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding, owned by Alison Locke, Chawke plans to play it a bit by ear.
“With him, I’m sort of playing him a little week by week just to see what he’s comfortable with and what he’s happy doing,” concluded Chawke.
For full results of the $30,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic, click here.
Featured jumper competition at Desert Circuit 5 will continue on the Grass Field through Sunday, February 8, with highlights including Saturday afternoon’s $75,000 PGA West Grand Prix. With 10 weeks of top-caliber competition, Desert Circuit at Desert International Horse Park continues through March 15, 2026. To learn more and to view a complete schedule of events, visit deserthorsepark.com.