Geñay Vaughn and Gino achieved a personal best score for the second consecutive day to win the Thermal World Cup Grand Prix, propelling the California rider to second place in North America for the championship Final in April. This victory also marked the first qualifying score in the inaugural event of the year-long $250,000 US Open dressage series. The duo scored 75.150% for the win, following their first Big Tour Grand Prix score above 70% the previous day.
The win at Thermal was the pair’s second World Cup victory, earning them 40 points and positioning them well for the Final in Basel, Switzerland in April. Kevin Kohmann of Wellington, Florida currently leads the North American standings, with Geñay and Gino now in second place. The standings may change in the upcoming week in Wellington, where Adrienne Lyle is set to compete in her second World Cup event.
Geñay Vaughn attributed her significant improvement in scores on Gino to determination, coaching from Kathleen Raine, advice from Wolfram Wittig, and daily training from her mother, Michele. She emphasized the importance of focusing on fundamentals and enjoying the journey, incorporating 5 a.m. workouts into her fitness routine. Geñay plans to remain in California for the winter, foregoing her usual trip to Florida.
