Mattea Davidson wins Waratah Showjumping World Cup Qualifier

Queensland’s Mattea Davidson delivered a standout performance in the Waratah Showjumping Grand Prix CSI1* yesterday, taking the win on her gelding JB Vigilante (Vivant x Jetset-D). The pair were the only combination to go clear in both rounds, posting a quick time of 50.81 seconds in the second round.

Mattea shared on the win, “It’s the first show jumping show I’ve ever gone to on my own (without my husband and children)… I was a little bit nervous about that.” Despite the solo journey, Mattea and “Vigi” produced a faultless ride.

Initially an eventer, Vigi transitioned to show jumping after a minor injury, a move that has paid off for the pair. “When he came back from injury, I decided just to focus on show jumping with him… and it’s just gone from there.”

Breeding program

Mattea, a vet, coach and rider, also has a successful breeding program with her husband Shane Davidson.

“I went to uni with the intention of being able to then breed horses, because I thought the only way I’d be able to ride nice horses, would be to breed them.

We did breed my other World Cup horse, who wasn’t in the class today, Checkamour D.

So I suppose it’s been a long time coming. It’s not just turning up to a show and jumping around.”

A busy schedule

When asked how she fits everything in, Mattea admits outside of coffee, it’s largely grit.

“I think going to vet school is good training because you don’t get a lot of sleep!

But, I suppose I just really want it. It’s been a long road and I want it more than anything.”

Mattea has been a consistent contender on the World Cup Qualifying circuit, previously winning the first leg at Shepparton on her other horse Checkamour D, and placing second on Jaybee Vigilante. The pair will be contesting Tamworth World Cup Qualifier next weekend.

Results: Waratah Showjumping Grand Prix

Mattea Davidson (AUS) – JB Vigilante – 0 penalties, 50.81 sec
Jamie Winning-Kermond (AUS) – Tulara Wat Coblensky – 4 penalties, 45.23 sec
Phillip Lever (AUS) – Billionaire Nzph – 4 penalties, 45.38 sec
Julie Davey (NZL) – Lt Holst Freda – 4 penalties, 46.07 sec
Clem Smith (AUS) – Oaks Conjuror – 8 penalties, 43.42 sec
Samuel Overton (AUS) – Oaks Cassanova – 8 penalties, 44.16 sec

Results: Unicornium Futurity

Chris Chugg (AUS) – Oaks Ella – 0 penalties, 55.61 sec
Chris Chugg (AUS) – CF Edelweiss – 0 penalties, 57.96 sec
Jennifer Wood (AUS) – Crackenback B – 0 penalties, 59.62 sec
Jess Brown (AUS) – Equus Indemand – 0 penalties, 59.71 sec
James Paterson-Robinson (AUS) – Yirrkala Miss Dior – 0 penalties, 59.96 sec
Chris Chugg (AUS) – CF Cabochon – 0 penalties, 61.32 sec

Results: The Riders’ Cup Open 1.40m

Tess McInerney (AUS) – Quintation – 0 penalties, 60.66 sec
Sarah Duggan (AUS) – Oaks Diamantina – 0 penalties, 61.56 sec
Emma Smith (AUS) – Sovereigns Halo – 0 penalties, 63.00 sec
Tori Stuckey (AUS) – Jaybee Ballon d’Or – 0 penalties, 63.55 sec
Rhys Stones (AUS) – Riverton Kanntador – 0 penalties, 65.96 sec
Jess Rice-Ward (AUS) – Tulara Diarangol – 0 penalties, 68.04 sec

Results: Southern Cross Event Hire Young Rider 1.35m

Claire Zylstra (AUS) – Harvey B – 0 penalties, 61.62 sec
Samantha Carrington (AUS) – Double J Odin – 0 penalties, 63.86 sec
Charlie Magnier (AUS) – Notre Dame de Bourgignon – 0 penalties, 68.07 sec
Sienna Bellis (AUS) – Platinum Ego Z – 0 penalties, 71.37 sec
Abbey Kuiper (AUS) – Vakarra Champagne – 4 penalties, 58.03 sec
Jack Barker (AUS) – Tulara Colchic – 4 penalties, 59.47 sec

Trans Tasman Teams Challenge Victory New Zealand claimed the win in the Trans Tasman Teams Challenge, narrowly beating Australia by 1 point. Led by Oliver Edgecombe, the Kiwi team delivered solid performances across both rounds to secure their second win of the year.

Team Results: Trans Tasman Teams Challenge