Above: Same Whale and Fleur Delacour over the final fence in the 2025 Sydney Royal Grand Prix.

It has been less than two years since Kiwi rider Sam Whale made the bold move to relocate from New Zealand to Australia with husband Jeremy and their young family. Now based in Goulburn, NSW, Sam is already making her presence felt in the Australian Jumping scene—most recently yesterday with the exciting Grand Prix win at Sydney Royal with her lovely mare Fleur Delacour.

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Originally planning just a six-week stint in Australia for the August run of shows, including Waratah and Willinga Park, Sam’s move quickly turned into something more permanent. “We had talked about it for a while,” she said. “Jeremy breaks in and pre-trains thoroughbreds, and that industry is just so much bigger here. Before the kids were properly in school, we figured it was the right time to give it a go.”

The transition has been smoother than expected, thanks in part to the generous support of the Australian equestrian community. During her first few months, Sam worked with Charlotte and Arthur Inglis, who offered her a base and invaluable support while she found her footing. “I’m forever grateful to them,” she said. “They really helped me and the whole family settle in.”

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Since arriving in August 2023, Sam has quickly adapted to the more competitive environment. “There are bigger classes, faster rounds, and just stronger competition overall,” she noted. “Plus, the show season here runs year-round, unlike New Zealand, where it tends to wind down over the winter.”

Her biggest highlight so far? Winning the Grand Prix at Sydney Royal. “Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it at all,” she laughed. “I had a pretty average start to the week and just hoped to be in the lineup. But my mare was incredible.”

Sam credits part of her recent success to training with Australian Eventing star Chris Burton. “Chris warmed me up earlier in the week and just gave me so much confidence. He was on the phone with me that morning of the Grand Prix, giving me tips, and even called between rounds to help me reset my mindset.”

The horse that took her to victory has been a long-time partner. Sam bought the now 11-year-old mare as a three-year-old in New Zealand, despite Jeremy’s initial reservations. “She wasn’t always easy, and Jeremy tried to talk me out of it. But she’s taught me so much, and the partnership we have now is really special.”

Sam and Jeremy are a true team both in and out of the ring. While juggling family life and horses can be demanding, the couple make it work with the support of friends and the close-knit Jumping community. “We usually only take one or two horses each to shows, which keeps things manageable.”

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In addition to her Grand Prix-winning mare, Sam has a rising star in LP, a nine-year-old who has already claimed wins including at the NSW State Championships. She also has a promising four-year-old shared with New Zealand friends and Jeremy has a wonderful eight-year-old mare, Kingsley Centrose who is currently jumping at Mini Prix level, as well as a talented six-year-old in partnership with Alice Cameron of Oaks Sport Horses.

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Looking ahead, Sam has her sights set on big goals. “I’d love to get our MER (Minimum Eligibility Requirement) for the Aachen 2026 World Championships this year. My mare already has part of it from Werribee, so it would be great to lock that in. Longer term, I’d love to take her overseas in the next two years.”

Reflecting on the move, Sam says the biggest adjustment has been the travel distances. “But with the highway system here, it’s actually easier than the twisting roads back home. And the support from the Australian Jumping community has been amazing. We’ve really felt welcomed.”

Her advice for anyone considering a similar leap? “There’s never a perfect time. Just do it.”

With a major Grand Prix win already under her belt and a team of exciting horses coming through, it’s clear that Sam Whale is not just settling in—she’s thriving.

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