Thermal, CA – February 1, 2025 – Karl Cook has been striving toward getting Etundel de Marocy more comfortable with faster jump-off speeds, and on Saturday, February 1, Cook’s ongoing efforts paid off. Etundel de Marocy cranked up the pace to win the $63,000 City of La Quinta CSI2* Grand Prix, held during Desert Circuit 4 at the Desert International Horse Park.
On their way to the win, Cook and Etundel de Marocy were one of 32 entries to take on the Alan Wade-designed course and one of only four to produce a fault-free first round.
Karl Cook and Etundel de Marocy. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“I thought the first round was really well done today,” said Cook. “There weren’t many clear. It was really built like a five-star grand prix course just at a lower level. I think that’s really important. You need to get used to those longer, technical courses where they compact you, stretch you out, test you in a bunch of ways.
“I thought the time allowed was great,” continued Cook, referencing the somewhat tight time allowed that saw two riders finish with just one time fault apiece. “It wasn’t too tight. It was appropriate because that speed is also what you need for the five stars. My first horse, I had a rail. Both horses are different, but it still helps you with a little bit of feel for going around with the second.”
Karl Cook, Ali Ramsay and Nicole Haunert topped the podium. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
With that second horse, Etundel de Marocy, Cook not only jumped a clear first round, he turned in a quick, double clear effort, stopping the jump-off clock in 37.46 seconds for the win.
Second place with a time of 38.23 seconds went to winners earlier in the week Ali Ramsay and Diamond. Third place with a clear jump-off round in 41.41 seconds went to Nicole Haunert and Cornetta Rouge PS, and Della White and Gucci took home fourth with just one rail down in the jump-off.
“[The jump-off] wasn’t running or anything like that, so it allowed him to feel comfortable,” concluded Cook. “If he feels I have to chase him, he doesn’t like that. So, I could just be with him the whole time and just flow through it.”
Karl Cook and Etundel de Marocy. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
For full results of the $63,000 City of La Quinta CSI2* Grand Prix, click here.