Thermal, Calif. – With Michael Williamson at the helm, Azorena B made her Desert Circuit debut week a winning one as the mare took home the top honor in Thursday’s $15,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic.
When Williamson and Azorena B entered the Grand Prix Stadium at Desert International Horse Park for the January 8 class, the jump-off time to beat had been set at 38.247 seconds by Simon Schroeder and Desir du Chanu. That duo was fresh off a win in Wednesday’s $5,000 Perfect Products 1.35m Welcome Speed, and Williamson knew it would take some effort to beat them.
Michael Williamson and Azorena B. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“In the jump-off, Simon [Schroeder] went before me, and I saw he did an inside turn after jump number two,” said Williamson. “I wanted to win today, so I went inside there as well. I think there were only a handful of people that did that, and then I was tidy to the next combination…I was able to keep her step open the whole way and just kind of keep a nice rhythm.”
Those factors resulted in Williamson successfully shaving roughly half a second off Schroeder’s time to clinch the win in 37.741 seconds. With Schroeder and Desir du Chanu, owned by Avery Winston, taking second, third place with a time of 40.612 seconds went to Amanda Gomez and Rising Star Equestrian’s Charly-Ann.
Michael Williamson and Azorena B were presented as the winners of the $15,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Williamson has had the ride on his winning mount since April 2025, and he has been competing the Belgian Sport Horse mare, owned by Ashley Bewick of Opus Sporthorses, up to the 1.45m and national grand prix level.
“She’s just a really competitive mare,” said Williamson of Azorena B. “She always tries her heart out. She’s a blast to ride. She kind of just makes your job easy. You go out there, and you know she’s always going to try her best. She naturally carries a nice rhythm and looks for the jump. So, it’s really just about placing her where she wants to be and just being smooth and staying out of her way.”
Second place went to Simon Schroeder and Desir du Chanu. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Williamson concluded, “A big thanks to my groom, Rafa. He takes great care of [Azorena B], and he just does such a good job and always keeps the horses looking their best.”
For full results of the $15,000 FarmVet 1.45m Open Classic, click here.
Michael Williamson and Azorena B. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
To view a complete schedule of all competition offerings at Desert Circuit 1, presented by Barnwalkers & IDA Development, click here, and to learn more about all competition at Desert International Horse Park, visit deserthorsepark.com.