Bermudian equestrian standout Cody Rego continued his development on the world stage this week, featuring in the prestigious $25,000 BrainJuice Under 25 Grand Prix Series Team Event. The competition, a centerpiece of the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, saw some of the finest young riders in the sport convene for a high-stakes evening under the lights.
Rego was part of a four-rider contingent competing under the banner of Oakland 12. In a field characterized by technical complexity and tight time allowed, the team faced a stern test. Despite a spirited collective effort, Oakland 12 concluded the evening in ninth place overall, finishing with a combined total of twelve penalty fault points once the drop score was applied.
The Bermudian rider, partnered with the experienced Mendoza VDL, produced a performance that balanced speed with careful jumping. The pair navigated the intricate course with precision but were unfortunate to see a single rail fall, resulting in four penalty fault points. They stopped the clock in 68.37 seconds, contributing a solid score to the team’s tally.
The theme of four-fault rounds became a recurring story for the Oakland 12 squad. Livia Martin, Elena Haas, and the highly decorated Mimi Gochman all mirrored Rego’s performance, each picking up four penalty fault points. While their individual times were competitive—ranging from 65.60 to 66.35 seconds—the cumulative faults kept the podium out of reach on this occasion.
For Rego, the experience remains a vital part of his transition into the upper echelons of the sport. Competing in a team format at Wellington provides a unique pressure that serves as ideal preparation for future international duties. The Bermudian will now look to build on this performance as the circuit moves into its final months of competition.
