Australians on the rise
Two Australians will take on the formidable Pierre Michelet-designed cross-country course this weekend, both bringing international experience and recent strong form.
Bill Levett returns to Pau riding RNH Tom Tom R (Tolan R x Beach Ball). The veteran eventer is fresh from an impressive campaign at Boekelo, where he was the highest-placed Australian on his other horse, Sligo Candy Cane, continuing to demonstrate the consistency and composure that have defined his long career at the top level.
RNH Tom Tom R is an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by his rider in conjunction with Elisabeth Murdoch and Keith Tyson. The gelding is by BMC Tolan R out of RNH Beach Babe, by Beach Ball, and was bred by Normand Hammond. While Bill is no stranger to CCI5*L, RNH Tom Tom R is set to debut at the level.
Joining him is Kevin McNab, who will compete aboard Faro IMP (F One USA x Master IMP) in the stallion’s first CCI5*. A regular on the international circuit and Tokyo Olympic team silver medallist, Kevin’s technical precision and calm under pressure make him a serious contender in any CCI5* field.
Both riders will be looking to close out their European seasons on a high as they look ahead to the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen.
Kiwi powerhouse contingent
New Zealand’s contingent at Pau is led by world number six Tim Price, who brings an impressive trio: Happy Boy, Jarillo, and CCI5* debutant Global Quest. Tim, who won Pau in 2021 with Falco, says all three horses are “fit and read” for the challenge.
His wife and fellow Olympian Jonelle Price also arrives with a powerful lineup: Hiarado, her Paris 2024 mount who was seventh at Pau last year; Grappa Nera, a previous Pau winner (2022) and sixth at Badminton; and Senor Crocodillo, who made an impressive CCI5* debut at Luhmühlen.
“It will be a bit chaotic with six horses, four staff, the kids, and about 20 owners,” Jonelle laughs. “But if we can do our jobs and stay focused, we’ll be in the mix.”
Adding to the Kiwi strength are Jesse Campbell with Cooley Lafitte, who rerouted to Pau after Burghley, and Abigail Long with her CCI5* debutant Henton Audacious. Abigail says the experience alone will be a milestone: “My main goal is to complete and head home with a happy, healthy horse – anything else is a bonus.”
What’s ahead
Competition kicks off Thursday morning (French time) with the first horse inspection, followed by two days of dressage. Cross country runs Saturday, and the event concludes Sunday with show jumping over a Yann Royant-designed track.
With world-class combinations, and significant prize money at stake, Pau promises a fittingly competitive end to the 2025 European eventing season for both Australia and New Zealand’s elite eventers.
For event draws and results click here.
Thank you to Diana Dobson of the The Black Balloon on behalf of ESNZ for supplying information regarding the NZ riders
