Canada’s Amy Millar and her trusted partner Christiano (Canoso x Compliment), owned by Future Adventures, took the top call, in Friday's 1.45m CSIO4* class at Wellington International.
Millar and her son by Canoso 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.
Maya Ines Denis Chambon Shines with Callypso de la Hamente Z in BrainJuice U25 Semi-Final Grand Prix
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.
A stacked field of 42 horse-and-rider combinations took to the Steve Stephens (USA) designed track, with eight 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.
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.
“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.
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.”
