After inclement weather saw a soggy start to competition, the Waratah Showjumping CSI1* World Cup show came to a stunning conclusion.
As the rain fell last Thursday, the next generation of jumping talents took to the main arena for the Oaks Sport Horses Young Horse Day. In the Wallaby Hill Farm 5YO class, five combinations jumped double clear and shared first place: Shimona Fraid and Dourkhan’s Dream Z, Anneliese Wansey and Glenara Baccarat, Samantha Dernee and Uptown Van De Molenberg, Mack Rudder and Wilder Casino, and Tori Glass and Bonnie Valley JenJan Diva. Glass and Bonnie Valley JenJan Diva also claimed the style prize from the judges with a total score of 88.25.
In the Bellhaven Stud 6YO class, Tom McDermott aboard Gille Van Hippo Lux V was victorious in both the young horse section and overall style award, earning an impressive 91.75. The final class of the day, the Diamond B Farm 7YO, was won by Billy Raymont and Tulara Colin, while Samantha Dernee and Glenara Leonardo Z collected the style prize with a total of 85.25.
Friday’s program featured the first of the major classes with the MRX Group 1.45m, Riders Cup Round One, and the Trans-Tasman Senior and Young Rider Team competitions.
The Riders Cup, supported by a collective of professional riders and establishments, always draws a crowd and Friday’s opening round was no exception. James Paterson-Robinson claimed the win aboard Diamond B Vivienne, setting the stage for what would be an exciting three days of competition.
In an action-packed warm-up ahead of Saturday evening’s World Cup Qualifier, Sam Overton and Oaks Cassanova delivered a commanding win in the MRX Group 1.45m – finishing more than six seconds ahead of New Zealand’s Sophie Scott and Benrose Stellar.
Australia dominates Senior Trans-Tasman; New Zealand claims Young Rider win
As the crowds flocked to the main arena, some of Australia and New Zealand’s best seniors and young riders took to centre stage in the Trans-Tasman showdown. International guest course designer Anderson De Moura Lima tested riders with a fast-paced Nations Cup–style contest, allowing for a drop score.
In a jump-off between Team New Zealand and the Australian Green Young Rider team, Emma Gillies produced a slick round on Benrose Black Jack to secure the win for New Zealand teammates Liam Rutland, Molly Moffatt and Sophia Blackbourn. Australia’s Green Team of Hannah Doolan, Ella Hayward, Charlie Magnier and Jack Barker settled for second.
The Australian Green and Gold teams dominated the Senior challenge to secure both first and second, pushing the Kiwi visitors into third. Phillip Lever, Gemma Creighton, Mattea Davidson and Billy Raymont celebrated the win.
Saturday delivered another big day of competition across all arenas, culminating in the highlight World Cup Qualifier.
Sam Overton and Oaks Cassanova win World Cup Qualifier
It was a star-studded lineup with 25 of Australia and New Zealand’s best in the Waratah Showjumping Grand Prix CSI1*-W, generously supported by Chatham Park, Emcee Apparel, Orchard Equestrian and Southern Cross Event Hire.
At the end of the first round, only five combinations jumped clear. New Zealand’s Sophie Scott delivered two of those aboard Benrose Stellar – winner of last week’s Grand Prix – and Normandy GHP. Joining her were Australia’s current Senior Champions Phillip Lever and Billionaire NZPH, former World Cup League winners Sam Overton and Oaks Cassanova, and two-time World Cup winners Gemma Creighton and Dada Des Brimbelles Z, setting up a thrilling jump-off.
Nine combinations returned for the second round. James Mooney with KPH Cavatina and Melissa Blair with Selena C both produced clears, showing it could be done over a testing track. After carrying just one time penalty in the first round, Jess Rice-Ward and Tulara Diarangol delivered a brilliant clear, piling pressure on those to follow.
Sophie Scott and Normandy GHP then jumped a fast clear in 44.80 to take the lead, before Phillip Lever and Billionaire NZPH crossed the timers in 44.27.
But it was Oaks Cassanova who stole the show. Returning after almost a year away from World Cup competition, the 15.3hh gelding – affectionately known as “Little Ed” – made light work of the technical track. Stopping the clock in 43.47, he and Overton secured a convincing victory.
“He was a little feisty tonight and that worked in our favour,” Sam said during the prize-giving. “After a break from competition, Cassanova is back in top form and fighting fit ahead of the next run of World Cup Qualifiers and the Australian Jumping Championships in November.”
Championship classes decided
After four huge days of competition, it all came down to Sunday’s championship finals.
In-form Josh Collins and Zora were crowned champions of the Yandoo Equestrian Services Futurity after a fiercely competitive battle.
In the coveted Riders Cup, Paige McBain piloted Charlotta II to victory ahead of Molly Moffatt and Lazarus GNZ. Following this, the Diva’s Beverages Young Rider Championship saw Charlie Magnier and Notre Dame de Bourguignon deliver a strong win.
In Arena Two, Lori James and Bond Girl SHP claimed the Sienna Weir Memorial Amateur Final ahead of Georgia Gall and Melanie Heygate. Meanwhile, Valentina Hercus and Cera Catalina secured the King Ranch Equestrian Junior Championship – a fitting finale to four days of action across three arenas.
