Showcase of Showjumping made its long-awaited return after a nine-year hiatus, and it was worth every moment of the wait. In front of a buzzing crowd and against a world-class field, it was Phillip Lever and the exceptional Billionaire NZPH who rose to the occasion for the feature class of the show, taking out the Grand Prix title, and the $20,000 winner’s cheque, in a commanding performance.

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Phil, who had never attended Showcase in its previous years due to being based in Europe, was thoroughly impressed by what he experienced.

“This was my first time at the show, and honestly, it was one of the best shows of the year,” said Phil. “The footing was incredible, the whole program was so well-run, and the sponsorship was extremely generous. It really felt like one of the pinnacle shows on the Australian calendar.”

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Adding to the prestige was internationally renowned course designer Frank Rothenberger, who brought his decades of experience to the Grand Prix track.

“Having Frank as course designer made a massive difference,” said Phil. “He actually did a preview where he said he was aiming to get five clear rounds for the jump-off — and that’s exactly what he got. That tells you everything you need to know about how good he is. The way he built up the horses over the weekend to be ready for that Grand Prix — it was clever, challenging, and absolutely fair.”

And the course delivered. With five in the jump-off and four double clears and just fractions separating the top contenders, Phil had to be razor sharp in both rounds — and he was.

“In the first round, Billionaire was absolutely picture perfect. I could put him wherever I wanted, every step of the way,” he recalled. “He made it feel like a 1.30m track, not a Grand Prix. He was that good.”

Above: Phillip Lever and Billionaire NZPH and the Grand Prix.

But it was in the jump-off where Lever really tightened the screws.

“I knew I had to push it. I angled the first fence off the right rein to get one less stride to the second — which worked beautifully and set me up for the six-stride line. I took a little time into the double, just wanted to be careful there, then jumped it right to left so I could land and do seven strides to the oxer, where most others did eight. That gave me momentum into the second last, and he just sat on his hocks and powered over. From there, I knew we had it.”

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The win is the latest in a string of standout performances from Billionaire NZPH, a horse Lever has been producing for just under two years.

“I got him around twenty months ago from Deirdre Hartog,” Phil explained. “After a couple of months together, we were already stepping up to 1.40m, and he came second at the 2023 Australian Championships at SIEC. Since then, he’s just kept improving — placing in World Cups, winning at the 2024 Australian Championships at Willinga Park, and taking out the Victorian State Titles last week.”

But the path hasn’t always been smooth.

“He’s a very sensitive horse,” Phil said. “He can be tricky. As you could see, he couldn’t wear a garland at prize-giving, but he’s unbelievably careful, so clever. You’ve got to really build a bond with him. It’s taken time, but now it’s clicking.”

Beyond the competition ring, Billionaire is a firm favourite in the stables. “He’s got a massive personality,” Phil laughed. “He’s in the stable next to the clients’ tack room, so everyone has to walk past him — and he’s always got his head out looking for a pat. He’s cheeky, but he’s a real favourite around the place.”

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Phil is quick to acknowledge the key people behind the horse’s journey.

“Deirdre has been incredible. She called me and said she wanted to send me the horse, and to have that kind of trust and support — it means a lot,” he said. “And of course, having my partner Frida in my corner, both in life and in the business, is huge. She’s currently driving the truck, helping run everything, supporting me behind the scenes. That partnership is so important.”

The $20,000 prize was a significant milestone — not just for Phil and Frida, but for the sport more broadly.

Above: L-R Tom McDermott, Alexander Jang (representing sponsor Divas Beverages), Phil Lever and Amelia Douglass.

“That kind of prize money makes a big difference,” he said. “It helps owners justify keeping top horses here instead of selling them. It makes it easier to bring in new owners too. We often have to sell our best young horses just to keep everything going, but when events offer real money like this, it gives us options. It gives us a future.”

As for what’s next, Phil has his eye on even bigger goals. “We’re definitely thinking about international starts,” he said. “But I won’t go until we’ve got the MER secured here in Australia and everything’s in place. He’s still developing and getting better every time he steps into the ring, so we’ll keep building and see where he takes us.”

Phil also wanted to take a minute to thank his sponsors, Pryde’s EasyFeed, Struck Apparel, KEP, Parlanti Boots, Veredus, Stable Ground, CWD, The Tack Box Saddle World and Cavalor.

We are sure that this combination will continue to make their mark on the sport and we are excited to see what the future holds for them.

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