Phillip Lever has claimed the Australian Senior Championship title with Deirdre Hartog’s 13 year old Billionaire NZPH on Day 3 of the Australian Jumping Championships.
Reflecting on the day, Lever shared his surprise when he thought the title was secure after the second round: “Obviously, there was a rule that I didn’t know about, but, you know, we thought we’d done it, and we thought we were home. I came out and they said, no, they’re going to jump off again.”
Speaking on his journey with Billionaire, Phil recognises the horse’s quirks as integral to his competitive spirit. “For a big horse, he’s extremely sharp, he’s got a lot of blood, and he can get quite strong… but that’s what makes him such a good horse, and what makes him so careful. He is just a true competitor.”
Looking ahead, Lever hinted at his aspirations with Billionaire NZPH: “The sky’s the limit with this horse… we’re just going to see how far he wants to go.” Hartog confirmed that “It may include overseas… I think we’d be silly not to have a crack at that.”
Australian Senior Championship Results
- Phillip Lever & Billionaire NZHP – 4 penalties
- Gemma Creighton & Dada des Brimbelles Z (Imp) – 4 penalties
- Billy Raymont & Caprino – 7 penalties
- Tom McDermott & Cooley Gangster – 9 penalties
- Jamie W Kermond & Tulara Wat Colblensky – 10 penalties
- Billy Raymont & Tulara Dakchico – 14 penalties
Trailrace Saddlery Australian Young Championship Rider Final Round – Jack Barker’s Inaugural Young Rider Win
Jack Barker captured the Young Rider Championship with Tulara Colchic, marking his first title in this division. Jack’s journey with his mare, whom he affectionately calls “Chisel,” is a testament to the bond they’ve developed over the year. “It’s just so special, it means so much to me and everyone around me,”.
“I’m so appreciative for Tulara Colchic. She’s so special, she’s been an absolutely amazing horse for me over the last few years and I can never doubt her.”
With a strong 1.45m final round designed by Olaf Jun. Petersen , the class was down to the wire. “The tracks were tough, I think they’ve been great. They’ve been challenging and big, with a good amount of technicality, overall they are really enjoyable to ride, and they’re definitely different from what we’re used to.”
Reflecting on the pressure he faced, knowing he couldn’t afford a rail down, Barker attributed his confidence to his partnership with Chisel. “I trust that if I give her a good ride she’s going to jump clear, so that takes the pressure off,” he explained.
Key Results from Day 3
Trailrace Saddlery Australian Young Championship Rider Final Round
- Jack Barker & Tulara Colchic – 1 penalty
- Charlie Magnier & Notre Dame de Bourguignon – 4 penalties
- Jack Barker & Cornets Prinzess – 6 penalties
- Samantha Carrington & Double J Odin – 9 penalties
- Clemency Hughes & YPH Capulet – 12 penalties
- Cody Tincknell & Numero Too – 13 penalties
The Riders’ Cup
- Jennifer Wood & Cocaine Ego Z – Total Time: 57.54 (0 penalties)
- Kate Rowe & Tulara Connekta – Total Time: 59.15 (0 penalties)
- Amelia Douglass & Quel Filou 16 – Total Time: 61.04 (0 penalties)
- Billy Raymont & Blue Balou PS – Total Time: 58.73 (2 penalties)
- Rhys Stones & Ballentyne – Total Time: 61.49 (2 penalties)
- Melissa Blair & Selena C – Total Time: 60.16 (4 penalties)
Peacherste Lodge Australian Speed Championship
- Clem Smith & Quantico 12 – 67.99 seconds
- Shimona Fraid & Cassina – 72.32 seconds
- Tom McDermott & Krescendoo – 72.48 seconds
