Spanish rider Pablo Gómez Molina claimed victory in the CDI4* Grand Prix Freestyle at the 2026 Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, marking a strong debut for his horse Servus Ymas. American riders dominated other key classes, with Geñay Vaughn securing her second win in the CDI4* Grand Prix Special and Christian Simonson earning his first CDI victory in the CDI3* Grand Prix Special. Canadian competitors also shone in lower levels.
The fifth week of the 2026 Adequan Global Dressage Festival unfolded in Wellington, Florida, with standout performances across international classes. On Friday, during the Friday Night Stars event, Pablo Gómez Molina of Spain rode Servus Ymas to a winning score of 74.49% in the Coastal Steel Structures CDI4* Grand Prix Freestyle. Their routine, set to a bold Queen soundtrack, featured a dramatic final centerline of piaffe into extended trot and halt, earning praise from judges including a high of 76.45% from Stephen Clarke of Britain.
Gómez Molina, who has partnered with the 13-year-old San Amour x Depardieu gelding since it was five, expressed delight post-ride. "This win is really special because we struggled to find our groove last year with Servus," he said. "We built up through the levels together, so it’s always rewarding to come to the CDI level and win." The victory propelled him to a tie for first in the Stillpoint Dressage Leading International Freestyle Rider rankings. Devon Kane placed second with 74.235% on Vamos, while Susan Dutta took third.
In the Coastal Steel Structures CDI4* Grand Prix Special, also on Friday, Geñay Vaughn of Elk Grove, California, rode her mother's 15-year-old Gino to 71.851%, her second consecutive win. Despite a minor error in an extended trot, their piaffe and passage work impressed judges, with William Warren noting, "The harmony between these two is exceptional." Charlotte Jorst achieved a personal best of 70.191% for second on Zhaplin Langholt, and Meagan Davis scored 68.383% for third on Toronto Lightfoot.
Saturday brought another American success as 23-year-old Christian Simonson won the Modon CDI3* Grand Prix Special with 70% on Fleau De Baian, a 16-year-old Jazz x Ulft stallion. This marked their first CDI special and came after an earlier elimination. "Horses are always a learning process," Simonson reflected, crediting trainer Adrienne Lyle. Ashley Holzer and Jennifer Williams rounded out the podium.
Canadians excelled in smaller tours: Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu won the CDI1* Prix St. Georges on Fürst Foundation, and Camille Carier Bergeron topped the CDI1* FEI Intermediate I on MSJ Valentia Roma.
