Mark Bluman & Phelina de Septon Storm to First in the $62,500 BrainJava Winning Round CSI 5*

By Jumper News on 2025-12-14

Thermal, United States – December 13, 2025 – Whenever Colombia’s Mark Bluman (COL) and Phelina de Septon are the last in the ring, no one’s lead is safe – and that proved to be the case on Saturday, December 13. As the final rider to jump, Bluman flew to the win in the $62,500 BrainJava Winning Round CSI 5* at Desert Holiday 2 in Thermal, Calif.

A field of 33 entries took on the first-round track designed by Olaf Petersen Jr., and the top 10 then advanced to round two in the Grand Prix Stadium at Desert International Horse Park (DIHP).

Just one trip before Bluman returned for the shortened course, Ireland’s Conor Swail (IRL) and Theo 160, owned by Mannon Farm, had taken over the lead with a time of 34.17 seconds. However, Swail seemed to know that he could very well be accepting the second-place ribbon – and that did indeed prove to be the case.

**Mark Bluman** (COL) & **Phelina de Septon**

Bluman used Phelina de Septon’s natural footspeed to his advantage, taking over the top spot with a winning time of 33.33 seconds. With Swail and Theo 160 taking second place, third place with a time of 34.99 seconds went to Colombia’s Roberto Teran Tafur (COL) and his own Condara.

“With her, I always ride my plan,” said Bluman of the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, owned by Mario Deslauriers Inc. “She doesn’t have the biggest stride, but she’s super fast across the ground. I caught a good rhythm starting on number one, and I just followed that rhythm around. We were fast enough today!”

Bluman began riding Phelina de Septon in May of this year, and the pair has quickly amassed an impressive list of top two finishes at the 1.50m height.

“I’m very grateful to them for the opportunity to ride her,” said Bluman. “The mare has been unbelievable for me. She’s a great partner to have…She’s always game when she goes in the ring. I trust her, and she trusts me. Her record is impeccable. So, hopefully we can carry on like that!”