JJ Torano Takes the Keys After Winning the 2025 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship powered by Gary Yeomans Ford
A packed crowd gathered to witness 75 of the nation’s top junior athletes compete in the 2025 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship powered by Gary Yeomans Ford. The prestigious competition featured a traditional three-phase equitation format, with the possibility of a work-off. Courses were designed by 12-time Maclay Finals course designer Bobby Murphy of Lexington, Kentucky.
Fourteen-year-old JJ Torano of Wellington, Florida, secured the championship title aboard last year’s winning mount, Favorite Edition Z, owned by The Northjet Group. Torano showcased skill well beyond his years, climbing the ranks to claim the coveted Premier Cup title, and the keys to a brand-new Ford Explorer XLT SUV. His trainers, John Brennan, Missy Clark and Maggie Gampfer, also took home the majority share of the $100,000 trainer bonus.
The WEC Grand Arena set the stage with stunning topiaries, a meticulously designed hedge wall, and the iconic ‘WEC Eq’ fence. Course designer Bobby Murphy reflected on the evening, stating, “To be the best, you have to beat the best and tonight, the nation’s top junior riders rose to the challenge. They tackled two rounds, each showcasing some of the most difficult and impressive courses they will face in their junior careers. Once again, World Equestrian Center has set the bar for championship events. We are committed to excellence, and tonight, we witnessed nothing short of the very best.”
A Test of Skill and Precision
The championship began on Saturday afternoon with the over-fences phase, which featured a challenging track designed to test each rider’s precision and style. After many impressive performances, only 20 riders advanced to the flat phase and the second round of jumping under the lights.
The flat phase demanded exceptional horsemanship, as riders were tested on their ability to counter-canter, extend the trot, and collect the trot—all without stirrups. Afterward, the top 20 riders returned in reverse order of standing for the second round, which presented an even more technical test. From this elite group, the judges selected four standout athletes for a final work-off to determine the ultimate champion.
Read more:
