Geñay Vaughn and Gino Collected World Cup Points at 2026 CDI-W Del Mar

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2026 CDI-W Del Mar

-- Del Mar press release, edited by Eurodressage

The Del Mar Horse Park served as the big stage for international dressage competition as the 2026 CDI-W Del Mar brought together accomplished athletes, rising stars, and distinguished judges. The weekend of February 27-March 1, 2026, was highly anticipated and long-awaited by the Southern California dressage community, reinforcing the venue’s growing prominence on the international dressage circuit.

Vaughn Collecting World Cup Points

Californian Geñay Vaughn’s (USA) returned from competing on the Wellington show circuit in Florida to amass critical points in Del Mar for her World Cup ranking towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup Finals in Fort Worth, TX, in April. She secured back-to-back victories on the weekend, winning the Grand Pri and Kur.

Vaughn rode Gino, Michelle Vaughn’s 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (by Bretton Woods x Haarlem), to a first-place ranking in the Grand Priw with a personal best of 72.282%.

“I was thrilled with my Grand Prix on Friday,” enthused Vaughn. “Earning a personal best made it even more special. Every time we step into the ring, I feel our confidence growing and our focus sharpening. We’re truly starting to nail each movement.”

Vaughn and Gino carried their momentum into the marquee event, the FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday, February 28. Crafted by Terri Galo, her freestyle featured some of Vaughn’s favourite artists, such as Donna Summer, Luther Vandross, Ohio Players, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Their music and interpretation of the music earned an 8.2 with other high artistic marks from Judge at C Magnus Ringmark (SWE). The pair delivered a program that earned them a winning 75.955%.

“I absolutely love showing the freestyle,” shared Vaughn. “I take great pride in selecting the music myself, making sure it’s a true reflection of who I am by blending my favorite genres that represent both me and my culture.”

Her World Cup win will move Vaughn up to 57 points on the North American League World Cup ranking. After two first-place rides, she has now also moved up to the top of the leaderboard for the US Equestrian Open Dressage Final hosted at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California, on November 13-14, 2026, with a total of 45 points.

“I was incredibly happy with our results,” expressed Vaughn. “My only goal was to go out there, enjoy the ride, and stay present. Gino completely exceeded my expectations and reminded me why I love this sport so much. I truly can’t wait to perform it again!”

Top Three

Also showcasing an impressive Freestyle CDI-W was Brittney Eastgate (CAN) and Kartsevo Goldfinch, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (by Jazz x Lingh). The pair achieved a second-place finish with a final score of 72.020%. Cyndi Jackson (USA) and Florisson, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding (by Floriscount OLD x Johnson), completed the top three with a personal best score of 69.465%.

International CDI competition concluded on Sunday, March 1, with the Grand Prix Special 3*. Kristina Harrison-Antell (USA) and Finley, her own 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (by Don Jovi x Rubels), topped the leaderboard with a final score of 67.277%. Erin Silo (CAN) and Jett, her own 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (by Johnson TN x Floresco), followed in second. Amy L Miller (USA) and Encore, her own 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (by Jazz x Sir Sinclair), completed the top three.