Girls end three-year drought in thrilling Battle of the Sexes at WEF
In the closest finish in 16 years, the girls’ team claimed victory in a dramatic match race finale before 3000 spectators.
The 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival opened with a redemption story as the girls’ team broke a three-year winning streak for the boys in the $75,000 Battle of the Sexes, presented by LeMieux, at Wellington International’s Saturday Night Lights.
In what organisers described as the most nail-biting finish in the event’s 16-year history, the competition came down to a tie-breaking match race between Jessica Mendoza and Luis Larrazabal. Mendoza secured the victory for the girls, who now hold eleven Battle of the Sexes titles overall.
Down to the wire
The sold-out crowd of approximately 3000 spectators watched as both teams – decked out in blue and pink – battled through three phases of competition, with the score tied multiple times throughout the evening.
The girls’ team was led by captain Kelly Soleau and included Mia Bagnato, Alexis Bodo, Kyla Makhloghi, Samantha Mackenzie, Caroline Mawhinney, Mendoza and Kelly Taggart. The boys’ squad consisted of captain Charlie Jayne alongside Christian Coyle, Daniel Geaney, Alex Granato, Larrazabal, Tony Stormanns, Söhnke Theymann and Michael Tokaruk.
Phase one featured a Table C faults-converted speed course where matched riders competed individually. The opening phase ended in a dead heat with both teams tied on four points.
The second phase saw relay groups of three riders tackling sections of the course with five points at stake. The girls’ trio of Bagnato, Mendoza and Mawhinney won their relay, but the boys answered immediately. Coyle, Theymann and Tokaruk kept the score level heading into the final phase.
The third phase – a head-to-head match race with riders competing simultaneously over mirrored courses – ended with both teams still tied, forcing the extra match race that would decide the evening’s champions.
The decisive moment
In the final showdown, Mendoza bested Larrazabal, who pulled three rails to the ground, securing the girls’ victory with a final score of 24 to 21.
“I’ve never seen the final round come down to the wire like that, but that made it even more fun,” said Mendoza. “Everyone comes together and there’s a little bit of rivalry between the boys and the girls. This crowd is so fun, and it’s great for the horses to come out and have fun in a night class.”
The atmosphere under the lights at Wellington International electrified the competition, with fans cheering for their favourites throughout the evening’s drama.
Planning the comeback
Despite the loss, boys’ team captain Charlie Jayne was already looking ahead to next year’s competition.
“It was tense but fun, and that playoff at the end coming down to that final round was really exciting,” Jayne said, adding that he’s already making plans for a 2027 comeback.
WEF 2026 kicks off
The Battle of the Sexes served as the opening Saturday Night Lights event for the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival, which runs for 13 weeks from January through March at Wellington International.
The prestigious circuit features FEI-sanctioned international showjumping with over $16 million in prize money available across the season. Wellington International welcomes competitors from all 50 US states and more than 34 countries during the winter season.
Earlier on Saturday, the Hermès 1.50m Championship Jumper Series kicked off with a win from Colombia’s Pablo Mejia Villa riding his own 9-year-old Caramia. The $150,000 Hermès 1.50m Championship Jump Series Final takes place on 21 March during WEF 11.
The opening week of WEF 2026 concluded on Sunday with the $75,000 Dodd Technologies Grand Prix, won by Mckayla Langmeier of East Granby, Connecticut, riding Jiselle NS.
Saturday Night Lights
Saturday Night Lights is Wellington International’s signature evening event during the Winter Equestrian Festival, featuring grand prix showjumping competition alongside food, entertainment, live music and family-friendly activities.
The Battle of the Sexes has become a fan-favourite tradition, offering a fun, competitive format that showcases top riders in a less formal but highly entertaining setting. The event’s format – combining speed, strategy and head-to-head competition – creates an electric atmosphere that draws both serious equestrian fans and casual spectators.
With the girls now holding an 11-5 advantage in the event’s 16-year history, the boys’ team will be looking to close that gap when they return in 2027.
For now, the girls can savour their hard-fought victory in what was undoubtedly the most dramatic Battle of the Sexes finish to date.
The 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival continues through March at Wellington International in Wellington, Florida, featuring 13 weeks of international showjumping competition. Saturday Night Lights events take place throughout the season. For more information, visit wellingtoninternational.com.