Just two weeks into the 2025-2026 Desert International Horse Park season, Keri Potter and Kalimera van de Nethe Z already have two big wins to their name. On Saturday night, November 8, they notched their second victory, this time in the $100,000 Fobi Grand Prix.
Potter and Kalimera van de Nethe Z’s first win of the new DIHP season came in last week’s $30,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic, but this week, they had to kick it into an even higher gear to take home the top spot.
From a starting field of 42 entries, 15 advanced to jump off over the Colm Quinn-designed short course, where it turned into an exciting race against the clock.
While all would try, no one could catch Potter and the 10-year-old Zangersheide mare, owned by Karl Cook, that has quickly become known for her speed in the Grand Prix Stadium at DIHP. The duo flew over the final US Equestrian oxer in 37.169 seconds to ultimately clinch the win. Coming the closest to catching Potter, with a time of 37.883 seconds were Arturo Parada Vallejo and Valento, owned by David Bustillos. Third place went to Kyle King who piloted his own Kayenne Z to a finish time of 39.238 seconds.
Earning the win in the $5,000 Barnwalkers U25, held simultaneously, were Katherine Huffstutler and Independence TN, who finished in 12th overall.
“I’m super pleased with [Kalimera van de Nethe Z] tonight,” said Potter. “With 15 in the jump-off, it was probably one of the quickest jump-offs I’ve done for sure! This jump-off suited her too with more right turns versus left turns!”
Potter has been utilizing the National Sunshine Series to gear up for other, upcoming competitions at Desert International Horse Park, including this December’s Desert Holiday shows, where Potter hopes to have Kalimera van de Nethe Z make her CSI5* debut.
“We’re going to go home and rest now,” concluded Potter. “She really likes it here. She likes big rings, and I think I’m going to keep her in a big ring just because, half the time, I’m out of control, so I have a big ring to slow me down a little bit when I need to. This place is great. I love jumping here. The footing’s amazing, and the atmosphere is awesome. I’ll be happy to come back in December.”
For complete results of the $100,000 Fobi Grand Prix, click here.