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