Gwyneth Stanisai Shines in Under the Lights Debut

Thermal, Calif. – Friday night, February 13, marked Gwyneth Stanisai’s first time competing under the lights at Desert International Horse Park, but she looked like a seasoned veteran as she rode Untouchable 33 to victory in the $10,000 Western Alliance Bank 1.25m Junior/Amateur Challenge.

The special class – held during Desert Circuit 6, presented by Premier Equestrian – gave the top riders in the Desert Circuit 1.25m junior and amateur standings the opportunity to take center stage in the Grand Prix Stadium.

“It’s such a special class!” said Stanisai, 16. “I’ve never done under the lights before, so there was definitely a lot of nerves, but the atmosphere was so great, and my competition was so great. It was just such a great experience to be able to do this with my horse.”

Stanisai and Untouchable 33 were one of 31 entries to compete over the Colm Quinn-designed course, and they were one of eight pairs that qualified to come back for the jump-off. As the fifth to return, Stanisai and her 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding blazed through the timers in a lightning-fast 32.881 seconds – eventually giving them the win by a nearly five-second margin.

With Stanisai and Untouchable 33 taking the top spot in 32.881 seconds, second place on 37.822 seconds went to Anthony Pizzi and his own Noorderlicht. Taking home third place as the fastest four-faulters with a time of 40.939 seconds were Michelle Berry and Traver’s Girl HS.

“[Untouchable 33] tries so hard for me,” said Stanisai of the horse that she has been partnered with for a little more than a year. “He really is just the best partner I could have. He was super on it tonight. He was just amazing. He’s a very forward-going horse. He could barely stand still while we were waiting in line. He’s super awesome. He really just wants to win, and he did that tonight. So, I’m super happy with him!”

For complete results from the $10,000 Western Alliance Bank 1.25m Junior/Amateur Challenge, click here.