Meagan Davis Wins the CDI4* Grand Prix with a Personal Best Score

Wellington, Florida – American rider Meagan Davis continued her outstanding season with her trusted partner Toronto Lightfoot, claiming victory in the Donato Farms CDI4* Grand Prix with a personal best score of 72.108%. The result marks her fourth win of the year, confirming the pair’s remarkable form.

The competition took place during the eighth week of the 2026 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) in Wellington, Florida, which coincides with the traditional Palm Beach Derby Week. This edition of the show holds particular significance as it is dedicated to the memory of Mary Anne McPhail.

Last to enter the arena in a class of eight combinations, Davis delivered a performance of impressive quality, combining power with harmony throughout the test. Two experienced judges—Christoph Umbach (LUX) at C and Katrina Wüst (GER) at M—awarded the pair marks above 74%, underlining the strength of their performance.

Second place went to Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén, a seven-time Olympian and a familiar presence at Wellington. Riding Hyatt, a 14-year-old mare by Apache owned by Lövsta Stuteri, she earned 71.544%. Although three judges placed the pair first, the final average score ultimately positioned them as runners-up.

Completing the podium was American rider Ashley Holzer, who finished with 68.478% aboard Hawtins San Floriana, a 14-year-old mare (San Amour x Florestan) jointly owned with Diane Fellows.

For Meagan Davis, 36, her partnership with Toronto Lightfoot represents a particularly meaningful chapter in her career. The 13-year-old son of the legendary Totilas was discovered in 2022 at Helgstrand Dressage in Wellington. Since then, the pair have progressed steadily, stepping up to international Grand Prix level in September 2024. Toronto Lightfoot is currently Davis’s first and only senior international horse.

“Today we had true power in the test,” Davis said after the class. “It was exciting to feel the hind legs working underneath my seat bones; every time I asked, there was more energy available. Each time we enter the ring we try to add another component to our performance. Today we had the energy and the softness over the topline that we’ve been aiming for throughout the season.”

The rider, who spends summers in Saugerties, New York, and winters in Loxahatchee, Florida, also highlighted the character of her horse. “Toronto can sometimes be a bit looky, but when he’s in a good frame he’s ready for action and follows my lead, which is fantastic.”

The victory carries particular emotional significance during Palm Beach Derby Week. “This is definitely one of the biggest wins of my career,” Davis added. “The Derby means a lot to me—years ago it used to take place just across the street from our house. And this year it feels even more special after losing Mary last year.”

With this result, Meagan Davis and Toronto Lightfoot further establish themselves among the most promising combinations on the international dressage circuit, confirming a trajectory of steady progress that could lead to even greater achievements as the season unfolds.

Meagan Davis & Toronto Lightfoot. Photo ©Centre Line Media

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