Gwyneth Babington Secures First International Win in the $70,000 Main Street Insurance Grand Prix CSI2*
For Immediate Release
Rette Solomon for Tryon International
July 11th, 2026 – Mill Spring, NC – The night of July 11th saw a night of celebration for Gwyneth Babington (USA), as the 23-year-old Wellington based rider captured the win in the $70,000 Main Street Insurance Grand Prix CSI2*. After the conclusion of another exciting Saturday Night Lights presented by Skyla Credit Union, Babington stepped up to the top of the podium to receive winning honors. Partnered with GB Sporthorse Partners LLC’s Filou Moussardiere (Ogrion Des Champs x Limbo), Babington locked in a double clear effort, tackling the Ken Krome-designed short track in 38.92 seconds. Andrea Torres (COL) and Romeo C (Casall ASK x San Patrignano Cassini), her own 2017 Belgian Warmblood, claimed reserve honors, as the only other pair to advance to the jump off. Piloting his own Gradje O (VDL Cardento 933 x Voltaire), the 2011 KWPN gelding, Samuel Parot (CHI) slotted into third place.
Gwyneth Babington provided details on her blossoming partnership with Filou Moussardiere following her win. “He’s brand new to me, I just got him four weeks ago. We trotted him up in the FEI, and he ribboned in two ranking [classes last week]. This week, with every class he feels better and better, and I’m really excited to have him.”
Gwyneth Babington and Filou Moussardiere
©Sean Stacey for Natalie Suto Photography
“I wanted to put the pressure on and give it a shot,” Babington said of her jump off strategy. “[This win] is a little bit unexpected. It’s all brand new, and I was just using the class to get to know [Filou Moussardiere]. The fact that we’re already winning is the cherry on top!”
Andrea Torres and Romeo C
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
Reflecting on the career milestone, Babington gave special recognition to the team behind her business. “I was working in Europe for a few years and just moved home and started my own business,” she revealed. “We’re getting a group of horses and owners together to build up a string, and Filou Moussardiere was the first one, so we’re really happy about that. This is also my first international win! Thank you to my owners who have stepped up to the plate to partner with this horse, and believe in what I felt in the horse.”
Babington also gave special thanks to her grooms Jennifer Cassidy and Joel Ramirez Figueroa.
Samuel Parot and Gradje O
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
Gwyneth Babington, Andrea Torres, and Samuel Parot in their presentation ceremony alongside Stephen Brady of Main Street Insurance and Tryon International’s Chief Operating Officer Doug Grondahl.
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
Joel Ramirez Figueroa was presented the Groom’s Award, presented by Carolina Shavings, for his care and dedication to Filou Moussardiere.
©Sean Stacey for Natalie Suto Photography
As the highest placing amateur rider, RJ Maya was awarded the Sarah Bagworth Trophy, presented alongside Juan Ortiz and the Bagworth family.
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
For her efforts as the highest placing female rider of the evening, winner Gwyneth Babington received the Leading Lady Award, presented by Stacy Bradley Design, alongside Leigh Ann Edwards.
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
The top athletes in the Grand Prix celebrate with a champagne toast presented by La Marca.
©Bailey Beck for Natalie Suto Photography
For full results from the $70,000 Main Street Insurance Grand Prix CSI2*, click here.
Saturday Night Lights presented by Skyla Credit Union returns for one last evening of the summer, on July 18th! Learn more and plan your Saturday Night Lights experience by visiting tryon.com/snl.
Photos ©Natalie Suto Photography (Bailey Beck and Sean Stacey as noted) unless otherwise noted. These photos may only be used once, in relation to this press release. Competitors may view and purchase competition photos at www.nataliesutophotography.com.