Thermal, CA – November 7, 2024 – Matt Archer has had the ride on Luigi VD Bisschop for five years, but Thursday, November 7, marked a particularly memorable day in the pair’s longstanding partnership. From a field of 71 competitive entries, Archer and “Luigi,” topped the $30,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic, claiming their first major victory at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, CA.
Matt Archer and Luigi VD Bisschop. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“Today was special,” said Archer, who operates Shady Lane Farm in Alamo, CA. “This horse has been a big part of my life and career for a lot of years now. It sounds a little corny, but he is like my best friend. We’ve grown up together. We’ve jumped a lot of tracks together. [To get my first big prize money win here] on him means a lot.”
Winning the Thursday afternoon featured class at National Sunshine Series 2, presented by FarmVet, was no easy feat, particularly with the field including Paris Olympics team silver medalists Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque.
From early on in the class, Cook and Caracole de la Roque sat atop the leaderboard with a time of 65.584 seconds. As riders contested the Colm Quinn-designed course and continually fell short of besting Cook’s time, it seemed Cook’s win was likely secured – at least until Archer and Luigi entered the ring.
Matt Archer and Luigi VD Bisschop. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
As the 61st entry, Archer blazed over the course in 65.339 seconds to narrowly clinch the win. With Cook taking home second place, Keri Potter and Kalimera van de Nethe Z finished in third with a time of 66.294 seconds.
“Any day you can even compete with Karl Cook is a good day! To beat him is just something really special on that horse,” said Archer. “Luigi just felt like he was really looking and following everywhere. He doesn’t have the biggest stride, but I tried to stay on the track everywhere. Today it just worked out.”
In speaking of the 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, owned by the Harvey family of Rhys Farms, LLC, Archer added, “He’s just an unbelievable character. He always, always tries to do the best thing and the right thing. He’s just a pleasure to have around.”
Matt Archer and Luigi VD Bisschop. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Archer and Luigi will now set their sights on Saturday evening’s $100,000 FarmVet Grand Prix, one of the highlight events of National Sunshine Series 2.
To learn more about all competition at the Desert International Horse Park, visit DesertHorsePark.com.