Wellington, Fla. – February 27, 2026—Future stars gathered under the lights of Wellington International on Friday evening of Week 8 at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) for the $32,000 BrainJuice U25 Semi-Final Grand Prix. After a season of point-chasing in anticipation of the 2026 series finale taking place during WEF 10, riders had one last opportunity to claim their spot with Mexico’s Maya Ines Denis Chambon and her own Callypso de la Hamente Z taking the penultimate grand prix win.

(Photo: Maya Ines Denis Chambon & Callypso de la Hamente Z. Photo ©Sportfot)

Hosting 12 weeks of international competition, WEF runs through March 29 at Wellington International in Wellington, FL.

They Left Fire In Their Path

A stacked field of 42 horse-and-rider combinations took to the Steve Stephens (USA) designed track, with 10 returning for the decisive jump-off. Denis Chambon—a five-time medalist at the FEI North American Youth Championships—rode her 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Chellsini Z x Kashmir van Schuttershof to an early lead. They left fire in their path over the short course, remaining unbeatable in a winning time of 35.87 seconds.

Need For Speed

Denis Chambon and Callypso’s need for speed could not be caught, and the duo was the only pair to break the 36-second mark. JJ Torano (USA) and Lyon 50 (Lord Argentinus x Lex Lugar), owned by North Run and Kadley Farms, took second on a time of 36.78 seconds. Germany’s Tony Stormanns finished in third in 37.66 seconds with RMF Balouwinsky (Balous Bellini x Cornet Obolensky), owned by Rushy Marsh Farm.

Step Up Our Game

“I base out of Ocala but came down here during week two to specifically qualify for tonight,” said 22-year-old Denis Chambon. “It’s great to be able to compete at a high level with just our age group. It forces us to step up our game and raises the level of competition.”

The U25 Series creates an on-ramp to higher levels for young show jumpers, featuring challenges such as changes in venue, jumping under the lights, jumping the open water, team formats, and more.

Likes To Win

Denis Chambon has been partnered with Callypso for five years, after getting the ride when the gelding was just five years old. “He began as a shy and spooky horse, but has always been competitive,” she said. “Having a horse that likes to win and go fast has been so fun to develop.”

Now with points on the board, Denis Chambon currently sits within the top 25 in the season rankings and plans to return to Wellington for the series finale during WEF 10. The current standings are led by Campbell Brown (USA) after two early-season wins. Fellow American Eva Fisherman is second, with Canada’s Cassidy Rein in third, after winning the WEF 8 welcome earlier in the week.

For full results of the $32,000 BrainJuice Semi-Finale Grand Prix, click HERE.

CSIO4* action continued Friday morning of WEF 8 with the $32,000 Dodd Technologies 1.45m Classic. Canada’s Amy Millar and her trusted partner Christiano (Canoso x Compliment), owned by Future Adventures, took the top call. The pair claimed victory in 58.88 seconds. Karl Cook (USA) and Candy (Coventry x King Louie), owned by Helen Signe Ostby, finished second, and Canada bookended the podium with Gavin Moylan taking third atop Anton 869 (Action-Breaker x Chambertin 3) for owner Priscilla Denegre.

CSIO4* action will reach its peak on Saturday night with the $150,000 FEI Nations Cup, presented by Florida Coast Equipment.

For the full results of the $32,000 Dodd Technologies 1.45m Classic, click HERE.