Wellington, Fla. – February 22, 2026—Ranked No. 8 in the world, Nina Mallevaey (FRA) made a mad dash to claim victory in Sunday’s $62,500 Hermès CSI5* 1.50m with Destine To Be, a 10-year-old Anglo European-bred gelding, to close out Week 7 of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Hosting 12 weeks of international competition, WEF runs through March 29 at Wellington International in Wellington, FL.
Nina Mallevaey & Destine To Be. Photo ©Sportfot
With a fast footfall, Destine To Be (Diamant De Semilly x Grandilot) posted a time of 46.97 seconds, which was impossible to beat in the second round, where the top 12 returned with faults carrying forward. Knocked down to second place in 48.92 seconds was Irish Olympian Darragh Kenny riding Colibelle Hero Z, an 11-year-old Zangersheide mare for owner Elena A. Haas.
Rounding out the podium was German Olympic Champion Christian Kukuk riding his own Akarad Tivoli Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding. They stopped the clock at 50.93 seconds for third.
Cruising through Anthony d’Ambrosio’s (USA) second-round track, Mallevaey made use of her gelding’s speed and trust in his rider. “I was planning to do one less [stride] after the double vertical, and one less on the two to three. I didn’t get there, but he’s so fast on the ground, I could add a stride and keep the rhythm,” said the 26-year-old reigning French National Champion. “He’s so careful and has a lot of scope. I trust him, and I can ask him anything now that he trusts me.”
Nina Mallevaey & Destine To Be are presented as winners of the $62,500 Hermès CSI5* 1.50m by Ray Vega, Equestrian Account Executive at Hermès. Photo ©Sportfot
Destine To Be was purchased by the Rein Family as an 8-year-old, and Mallevaey spoke on the gelding’s abilities within the arena, saying, “I think he has a lot of quality. He’s a bit hard to manage sometimes; he has a lot of blood, but he’s been amazing so far, and I think he’s going to win even more classes in the future.”
From breaking into the world’s top 10 to jumping onto a five-star grand prix podium, Mallevaey is having a banner year, saying, “It’s been amazing. I’m living the dream and I have amazing horses and amazing people around me.”
For full results of the $62,500 Hermès CSI5* 1.50m Jumper Classic, click HERE.
Marilyn Little Pockets Buckeye Nutrition CSI2* Grand Prix
International action began on Sunday of WEF 7 with the $62,500 Buckeye Nutrition CSI2* Grand Prix. 43 riders took to the Anthony d’Ambrosio’s (USA) designed track, but it was Marilyn Little (USA) and Narado, owned by Ten Carrot, LLC, who bested the rest.
Marilyn Little & Narado. Photo ©Sportfot
Narado, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Grandorado TN N.O.P, and Little took the top call from a 14-horse jump-off, crossing the timers on a double-clear 37.17 seconds.
“He’s only eight, but he’s been steadily moving up,” said Little of the Ashford Farm-produced gelding. “He decided he was more of a grown-up, and he’s been fantastic since January. He’s a great competitor and understands the game.”
Before joining Little’s string, Narado built an impressive track record as a young horse in Europe. Competing with riders such as Giavanna Rinaldi (USA) and Sanne Thijssen (NED) under the watch of Ashford Farm.
Marilyn Little & Narado are presented as winners of the $62,500 Buckeye Nutrition CSI2* Grand Prix. Photo ©Sportfot
Finishing just fractions behind Little was Switzerland’s Beat Mändli and Kay Grey, an 11-year-old mare by Vigo D’Arsouilles STX, owned by the Grant Road Partners. The duo stopped the clock clear at 37.80 seconds. Closing out the podium was Stephen Moore (IRL) and Conny Blue BH, an 11-year-old mare by Casallco, owned by SMG Sport Horse, on a time of 38.38 seconds.
Looking ahead to Week 8 of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Little has been selected to be part of Team USA for Wellington’s own CSIO4* Nations Cup. Little will ride alongside Karl Cook, Callie Schott, and Mclain Ward with her trusted partner, La Contessa.
“Riding for the USA is the biggest dream and the greatest honor,” said Little. “I’m extremely excited to do it here in my hometown, where I’ve been watching since I was a little girl.”
For full results of the $62,500 Buckeye Nutrition CSI2* Grand Prix, click HERE.
For full results of WEF 7, click HERE.
