Wellington, Florida, USA – March 23, 2024 – Back of ‘ Saturday Night Lights,’ two- star users took to the International Arena on Saturday afternoon for the$ 62, 500 BrainJava Grand Prix CSI 2*. Forty- five users attacked the Andy Christiansen (ECU) designed course, with eight users returning for the little training.  ,
Of the returning group, it was Nicky Galligan ( IRL ) and VDL Nikita van de Leeuwerk, owned by the Santa Rosa Group, who sped to the grand prix win. Tⱨe win came just in time for the couple’s one- time celebration. They jumped dual- obvious and claimed the win with a period of 38. 09 moments.  ,
” We bought her as a job horses this time next year, actually, here in Wellington. We’ve gotten to know each other over the course of the year and really enjoyed the benefit of a season here and gotten to work on the small things being here at WEF throughout the season”, said Galligan of the 11- year- old mare ( Zavall VDL x Argentinus ).
” Now I only felt that my horse gave me every inch that I asked for. Regardless of where I finished or what happened, I could not have been prouder of how she’s learned and evolved over this year”, mentioned Galligan. ” It’s just one of the most rewarding feelings as a rider when your horse understands and learns what you’re asking for them to grow, so to me that was special” .  ,
Following Galligan on the podium was the 2* Grand Prix winning combination from WEF 9, Caitlin Boyle ( USA ), and Navaar ( Tonixe x Deauville van T&, L), owned by Beyaert Farm Inc. The pair aImost caught the win, finishing on a clear day of 38. 15 hours.
Closing out the podium was Luke Jensen ( USA ) and Meadowvale Cruise ( Creevagh Ferro x Cruising ), owned by Wyndmont. The couple finished apparent in 40. 07 moments.  ,
A horse Galligan acquired thanks to his clients, the Buckingham home, VDL Nikita has quite the fan club behind her and it has been easy to see the couple’s growth up. Taking next in the 2* Grand Prix only a few weeks ago, they returned to move up on the floor now.
” Without the team, without the people supporting you, we ca n’t do this. It takes a towȵ to get the horses here and get them in the right location. Vets, tradespeople and everyone in between”, said Galligan of the group behind his win now, including his sister who came all the way from Ireland to see his win.  ,
Last Benefits –$ 62, 500 BrainJava Grand Prix CSI 2*
1 ) Nicky Galligan ( IRL ) &, VDL Nikita van de Leeuwerk – 0/ 0 – 38. 09
2 ) Caitlin Boyle ( USA ) &, Navaar – 0/ 0 – 38. 15
3 ) Luke Jensen ( USA ) &, Meadowvale Cruise – 0 / 0 – 40. 07
Origin: Press Release from Wellington International
Photos: © Wellington International / Cassidy Klein
