The 2024 Australian Jumping Championships wrapped up at Willinga Park on Sunday, with the Australian Junior Championship and Australian Children’s Championship titles still up for grabs. The next generation of show jumping stars were certainly out in force across these two classes, and with the scores tight following earlier qualifying rounds, spectators were kept on the edge of their seats until the end.
Hannah Doolan claims JPR Equestrian Australian Junior Championship Final (Art 273.3.3.1.2.2.4.3)
The Junior Championship was a closely fought class, with Hannah Doolan and Joel Lamb separated by just a single point following strong performances from both in the qualifying rounds.
Joel and KG Queen unfortunately had a single rail in the first round of the Final, and although they jumped clear in round two, those 4 faults were enough to see them drop to second place in the Championship title race. With two clear rounds, it was Hannah and Tulara Lady Zirocca who won the Final and consequently secured the championship title on a total of 1 penalty.
Third place in the Championship went to Jack Barker and Tulara For Quinar on a total of 8 faults, with just the one rail in the Final added to their 4 faults carried over from the qualifying rounds.
Harley McNaughton wins MRX Group Australian Children’s Championship Final (Art 273.3.3.1.2.2.4.3)
The Children’s Championship Final saw Harley McNaughton and Glenbrooke Archie Bunker start the day in the lead following terrific performances earlier at the Championships, and they held that position with two more clear rounds to win the Final and finish the event on a perfect score of 0 faults.
Second place in the Championship went to Valentina Hercus with Carousel GV, who were clear in both rounds and finished on their carry-over score of 2 faults, while third place on the podium was secured by Olivia Curtain and Ngahiwi Lady Blu – who also jumped a double clear and finished on their carry-over score of 7.
4CYTE Futurity Spectacular Art (273.3.3.1)
The Futurity Spectacular saw many top up-and-coming horses in action, with Jamie Kermond claiming the win aboard Yalambis Lord Byron. One of three double clears across round one and two, they stopped the clock in the second round at 49.97 seconds. Sarah Duggan was second with Bellhaven Toulon Blue (55.46) and Chris Chugg was third with CF Edelweiss (51.60) – accruing 3 time penalties in the first round.
Howden Equine Ruby Spectacular (Young Horse Under 9 Division, Art 238.2.2)
This class saw a win for Jennifer Wood with Crackenback B, with the pair producing the quickest of two double clears (44.60 seconds). Emma Collins and Diamond B Chatterbox finished second (50.10 seconds). Third place went to Rachael Lee and Neil Diamond VBT, who had one rail in the jump off.
Jennifer Wood with Crackenback B (far left) won the Howden Equine Ruby Spectacular. Image by Click Capture.
Completely Equine Ruby Spectacular Open Division (Art 238.2.2)
Rosie Oliver and Loreen were successful in the Ruby Spectacular Open Division, jumping a double clear to win in a time of 46.38 seconds. Second place went to Sarah Dodd and Oaks Carmine (52.66), with Sue Coman also producing a double clear aboard Marine Park Kanndoo (53.01).
Evans Park Small Junior Tour Spectacular (Art 238.2.2)
Sienna Pullar and Gringo claimed the win in the Small Junior Tour Spectacular, jumping clear in the first round and jump off. Their time of 31.93 seconds saw them finish ahead of Sienna Holdsworth-Rose, who took second and third with Beau Balou (32.29) and Eminem DP (36.92) respectively.
Willinga Park Veterinary Hospital Small Adult Tour Spectacular (Art 238.2.2)
The Small Adult Tour Spectacular saw three make the jump off, with Steffi Whittaker and Finch Farm Boss finishing on 4 faults in a time of 35.1 seconds to take the win. Second place went to Abby Coates on ARCS Kato (4/37.63), while third went to Mackenzie Patterson Hollibone and Honieke (8/39.7).
The Baldwin Family Amateur Spectacular (Art 238.2.2)
Lori James enjoyed a win in the Amateur Spectacular riding Bond Girl SHP; they were the quickest of four double clears, posting a time of 34.38 seconds. Second place went to Alisa Williams and Willybling (34.72), while third went to Kate Lee and Team Priestley Kitara Lanson (35.38).
1.05/1.10m Table A. Against the clock, no jump off (238.2.1)
In the final Speed class of the event, Jada Burgun and LG Amarillo secured victory by jumping clear in 59.23 seconds, ahead of Jameson Bush with Gordex B (64.42) and Nakita Willis on Statford Narnia (64.55).
Congratulations to event director Edwena Mitchell and the Willinga Park team on hosting a fabulous Australian Jumping Championships!
Full results from the Australian Jumping Championships can be found here.
