Last Updated on January 20, 2025 by adminahb
Exactly one year ago, Cydello claimed his first grand prix victory with Richard Vogel (GER) on the derby field at Wellington International, and the duo repeated history, taking the win again Sunday in the $140,000 WeatherTech CSI3* Grand Prix to wrap up Week 2 of the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Out of a field of stellar combinations, some new and some incredibly seasoned, Vogel and Cydello were among 14 clear pairs over a track set by Olaf Petersen, Jr. Vogel was nearly last to go, with just Jessica Mendoza (GBR) behind him aboard In the Air, but ultimately his jump-off strategy prevailed.
“Cydello is an amazing horse,” Vogel said of the 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Cascadello x Forsyth FRH). “He’s had some great success since we’ve had him. We thought, ‘Let’s try to repeat here.’ We’re thrilled and mega happy that we succeeded.”
Mimi Gochman (USA) had taken the lead early on and held it for some time with a time of 38.1 seconds before Vogel stepped in and pipped her in 37.66. She ended up second with Inclen BH, owned by DG Sport Horse LLC. Cian O’Connor (IRL) claimed third aboard Bentley du Sury, owned by Karlswood Partners, on a time of 38.51 seconds.
Nina Mallevaey and My Clementine Master BrainJuice U25 Grand Prix
Among an extremely impressive roster of young riders at the Winter Equestrian Festival, it was Nina Mallevaey (FRA) who topped the week’s premiere BrainJuice Under 25 Grand Prix Series event in the $31,020 BrainJuice U25 Grand Prix on the derby field Sunday morning.
Many of the U25 athletes in Wellington are already jumping the highest levels, Mallevaey herself included, but the developing riders appreciate having the opportunity to step into their own division separate from the senior FEI division for the week. Mallevaey was one of 12 to navigate the course, designed by Olaf Petersen, Jr., fault free with My Clementine, owned by the Rein Family, and she returned to take the win over the short course.
“It means a lot,” Mallevaey said of her victory. “It’s my last U25 year so I really want to enjoy the circuit at WEF. I hope to qualify for the final, so [today] is going to give me some points. It’s the beginning of the season and the Rein family is here watching so I’m really happy.”
In her third season at Wellington International, Mallevaey has enjoyed what the U25 division has taught her, hoping to squeeze as much out of her final year as she can.
“It’s the second year I’ve done the U25 here, and it’s super nice,” she continued. “We compete with really good riders even in the U25. Some of them already do the top events. They have nice horses, and it’s 1.45m so it’s big enough. It’s a good challenging circuit.”
Tracy Stewart and Bonbon Take Sweet Victory in Marshall & Sterling/Great American Adult Amateur Hunter
Tracy Stewart has been riding for the majority of her life, but she knows she has something special in her current ride, Bonbon. The 9-year-old Westphalian mare, owned by Legacy Equine, LLC, helped carry Stewart to championship honors Sunday of WEF 2 in the Marshall & Sterling/Great American Adult Amateur Older Hunter Section B division.
“Bonbon is a mare I got when she was six, and we’ve been working pretty hard to get her to where she is now,” Stewart, of Delray Beach, FL, said of their partnership so far. “She’s a super partner. and my trainers Keri Kampsen and Lexy Reed have helped me bring her to the next level. We expect to have a lot of fun with her in the future, and I hope to continue.”
Though horses and showing have been part of her entire life, Stewart still approaches every day with the same attitude, grateful for the moments spent in the saddle.
“I just wanted to ride; I loved horses when I was a kid,” she said of her beginnings in the sport. ”I started riding when I was seven. I’ve ridden my whole life. I rode collegiately, and now I get to do it as an adult, which is a treat. I’ve been competing in Wellington for over 10 years and I love it. and when it works out, it’s great, but I’m here for fun.”
Wellington International
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