Wellington, Florida, USA – March 01, 2024 – The BrainJuice Under 25 series returned to Wellington International during Week 8 of the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Under the lights of the International Arena, the penultimate competition of the series welcomed fifty of the season’s best young riders to the $32,000 BrainJuice U25 Semi-Final Grand Prix. The course tested the young riders once again ahead of the series final to be held during WEF 10. 

The track, designed by USA’s Steve Stephens (USA) and Nicholas Granat (USA), proved difficult with only seven returning for the jump-off. However, going clear was a common theme across the jump-off with six of the seven riders not touching a rail in the race for the win. Coming down to speed, it was Caroline Mawhinney (USA) and her own Stella Levista who bested the rest.

Coming in to a time to beat of 34.99 seconds, set by third-place finisher Tom Wachman (IRL) and Obora’s Laura (Luidam x Non Stop), owned by Coolmore Showjumping, Mawhinney quickly knocked more than a second off, finishing in 33.11 seconds. 

“I’ve had her for over four years now and she truly is incredible. I couldn’t ask for a better horse. She’s really small and a little crazy, but has the biggest heart in the world,” said Mawhinney of the 16-year-old mare (Satisfaction FRH x Levisto). “She’s given me so many achievements. She’s really made me the rider that I am and I owe her everything.”

At the age of 18, Mawhinney has already made her mark on the BrainJuice U25 series. Entering her first season at the age of 15, Mawhinney and Stella Levista repeated history after also winning the same semi-final back in 2022. 

“It’s really an amazing stepping point for a lot of young riders,” said Mawhinney. “The High junior-amateur classics are big enough but the U25 is definitely that next level, but not quite that two star level. It’s a nice in-between and it teaches riders a lot. It starts to get you familiar with open water, those more technical courses and it’s an important stepping stone that has been vital for me in my career and stepping up to the bigger levels.” 

Going into the jump-off, Mawhinney had full trust in her mare’s need for speed, giving her the title ‘small but mighty.’ “I know she’s naturally fast. She has a bit of a left shift, so I knew I wanted to watch out for that. She has a bit of a smaller stride so I tried to be tight in places that I could and let her go and use her ground speed,” said Mawhinney. “She is so careful, that I just let her go. The seven stride home was really long, kind of closed my eyes but she’s incredible and made it work.” 

Mawhinney hopes to return for the BrainJuice U25 Series Final with her mighty mare during WEF 10 in the International Arena. 

Final Results – $32,000 BrainJuice U-25 Semi-Final Grand Prix

1) Caroline Mawhinney (USA) & Stella Vista – 0 / 0 – 33.11

2) Francis Derwin (IRL) & Elien – 0 / 0 – 33.38

3) Tom Wachman (IRL) & Obora’s Laura – 0 / 0 – 34.99

Source: Press Release from Wellington International

Photos: © Wellington International / Sportfot

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