Hunter riders went under the lights on Friday at Wellington International for the second annual $100,000 Hunt Team Exhibition Stake Class, benefitting the Neil S. Hirsch Boys and Girls Club of Wellington, presented by Schumacher Automotive Group. The exhibition featured hunter teams of three athletes jumping a 3’3″ course in the International Arena to benefit the local chapter of the Boys & Girls Club. 13 teams gave their Friday night best in hopes of taking the team title, but it was Brianne Goutal-Marteau of Royal Palm Beach, FL; Irene Neuwirth of Culver City, CA; and Lilly Herzog of Pepper Pike, OH, who bested the rest.
The third annual Team Hunter Exhibition furthers the mission of The Boys and Girls Club; to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Teams consisted of a professional, amateur, and junior hunter rider. Held in a relay format, each rider jumped a portion of the 20-fence course. Scores were given from three judging panels for an average final score. Each team was allotted one drop score, allowing them to erase their lowest-ranked performance, akin to a jumper Nations Cup. High scores of 90 from Herzog on Tiebreaker and 89 from Neuwirth riding Holland Park secured the victory for their team.
Lilly Herzog & Tiebreaker. Photo ©Sportfot
“I happen to love doing this class,” said professional Brianne Goutal-Marteau, who rode Scout’s Honor. “It’s a completely different format than any of us—or the horses—are used to. It’s an amazing precursor to next week [WCHR Week] and a great opportunity to give our horses a fun atmosphere.”
Goutal-Marteau has competed in the class since its inaugural year in 2024, not only riding for the experience in the ring but for the purpose behind it.
“The Boys and Girls Club has had a long-lasting involvement in the equestrian community, especially in Wellington,” said Goutal-Marteau. “It’s an amazing organization that supports the local community and gives us an opportunity to give back and get involved.
“We also cannot talk about this class without thanking Andrew Lustig,” continued Goutal-Mareau. “He’s been the brainchild behind this event, and it’s amazing what he’s been able to accomplish. We all appreciate how he’s been able to modernize and keep up this event year after year.”
Brianne Goutal-Marteau & Scouts Honor. Photo ©Sportfot
In addition to arena action, The Boys and Girls Club Gala was held ringside; co-chaired by Jenny Oz LeRoy and Her Royal Highness Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme, with presenting sponsor Marlow Massey of Schumacher Auto Group.
Neil S. Hirsch, a significant member of the Wellington community, spearheaded the establishment of the Neil S. Hirsch Boys and Girls Club in 2012, and Neil’s hope for a brighter future has been realized ever since.
“This class is a great reflection of what Neil always wanted,” said class organizer and esteemed hunter trainer Andrew Lustig.
Winning grooms were presented with prize money by Perfect Products. Photo ©Sportfot
A junior rider, Herzog laid down the highest score of the night atop Tiebreaker, a horse she newly partnered with at the beginning of 2026. “The goal was to have a nice ride under the lights, as it was his first time, but he really rose to the occasion.
“It’s such a special atmosphere, and I’m grateful to be able to jump under the lights in a class like this,” said Herzog.
Taking home second were Julie Hogan atop Quixotic, Zara Humayun atop Cardinal, and Sarah Duhon atop Sugarland. Yellow sashes were awarded to Michael Britt-Leon atop True Casini, Kelly Sims atop Simply Spectacular, and Marlene Holland atop Edesa’s Donovan.
Irene Neuwirth & Holland Park. Photo ©Sportfot
For complete results from the $100,000 Hunt Team Exhibition Stake Class, benefitting the Neil S. Hirsch Boys and Girls Club of Wellington, presented by Schumacher Automotive Group, click HERE.
