Wellington, Florida, USA – February 18, 2024 – Rainstorms brought show jumping competition to the VanKampen Covered Arena on Sunday to close out the KASK-sponsored Week 6 at Wellington International’s Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The highlight class of the day welcomed up-and-coming talent in the $31,000 BrainJuice Grand Prix CSI U-25 , but it was a winning day for Mexico’s Karime Perez Nunez (MEX).
Over courses set by fellow Mexican, Ana Catalina “Catsy” Cruz, Perez piloted Dolcevita de Lacke, an 11-year-old Selle Français mare (Arko x Alligator Fontaine), to the top over a field of 59 riders. A competitive jump-off produced 16 double-clear rides, making the deciding factor speed. Fortunately for Perez, Dolcevita de Lacke – a horse she owns together with her trainer Ilan Ferder – has that in spades.
“I have a good team supporting me. That’s the most important thing about all this success,” said 23-year-old Perez. “I’m so happy. I love this division because it’s a place where you can have experience with people your age. Some might have more experience than others, but it’s always good for new horses at this level and new riders moving up. It helps us to be ready for the two stars.”
A single second separated the top three with Perez clocking it at 28.38 seconds. Finishing out the podium, Sofia Cady (USA) riding ZG Bella, owned by Twist Studio, LLC, took second on 28.49 seconds.
Carlee McCutcheon (USA) claimed third on Coco Mercedes, owned by Purple Rein Investments, in 29.43 seconds.
When asked what she likes most about Dolcevita de Lacke, Perez noted, “I love that she’s really spicy. She’s very sensitive, so she connects with her riders so fast. She has her own character, but I love spicy mares.
“Today, I think from one to two is where we won it,” continued Perez. “I had a really long distance to get there and she was so fast.”
Perez is having a banner season after also winning the 1/ST Racing CSI2* Grand Prix during WEF 5.
Final Results – $31,000 BrainJuice U25 Grand Prix
1) Karime Perez Nunez (MEX) & Dolcevita de Lacke – 0 / 0 – 28.38
2) Sofia Cady (USA) & ZG Bella – 0 / 0 – 28.49
3) Carlee McCutcheon (USA) & Coco Mercedes – 0 / 0 – 29.43
Source: Press Release from Wellington International
Photos: © Wellington International / Sportfot
Discover more from JUMPER NEWS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: CSI U-25, English, Jumper News Mexico
