Thermal, Calif. – Simon Schroeder sped away with the first win of the 2026 Desert Circuit on Wednesday morning, January 7, at Desert International Horse Park. The German rider piloted Desir du Chanu to victory in the $5,000 Perfect Products 1.35m Welcome Speed to kick off the new year in Thermal, Calif.
Simon Schroeder and Desir du Chanu. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“We got the right pace from the beginning on, and we held it until the last jump,” said Schroeder of his winning round over the Ken Krome-designed course in the Grand Prix Stadium. “It was flowing and a really nice ride. [Desir du Chanu] fought for me, and I really enjoyed it. It’s a new year, so he gave me the good present of a good start!”
With Schroeder and Desir du Chanu taking the win in a time of 57.468 seconds, second place went to Patrick Billes who rode his own Espartano LS to a time of 58.813 seconds. Third place with a time of 60.574 seconds went to Amanda Gomez and Charly-Ann.
Schroeder has been partnered with Desir du Chanu for just a few months, but he and the 13-year-old Selle Français gelding, owned by Avery Winston, meshed quickly.
Simon Schroeder and Desir du Chanu were joined in their winning presentation by Shelley Campf and Bradley Bowns. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“I got it a few weeks before [the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships in Las Vegas],” said Schroeder of the gelding regularly trained by Shelley Campf. “He was already placed in Las Vegas in the grand prix…Before, he was a little bit spooky in the ring, so I had to give him a little bit of confidence. Now, he’s totally on my side, and he’s doing whatever I ask of him. Like today, a few strides less to the water was quite far, but he’s believing in us. He trusts me now.”
With Wednesday’s win under their belts, Schroeder and Desir du Chanu will now look toward Saturday night’s featured $25,000 Barnwalkers & IDA Development Grand Prix.
“I want to do him in the grand prix this week and then let’s keep going on maybe two or three weeks and then he gets a little bit of a rest,” said Schroeder. “Then, we bring him back for bigger classes and see what he gives us. I feel really confident with him, and he’s going well.”
Schroeder concluded, “I just love to ride here in the grand prix ring. It’s every time an amazing feeling when you come in there.”
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.