Oaks Cassanova steals the show and our hearts in Waratah World Cup
All eyes were on Sydney International Equestrian Centre last night as the feature class of the Waratah Showjumping program, the CSI1*-W Grand Prix and World Cup Qualifier, delivered a night of world-class sport. With 25 combinations lining up to tackle Anderson De Moura Lima’s fantastic track, it was Samuel Overton and the much-loved Oaks Cassanova who stole the show with a flawless performance.
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Oaks Cassanova, the little chestnut gelding bred by Oaks Sport Horses, is no stranger to the big stage. The 17-year-old carried the Australian flag proudly at the FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha in 2023 after winning the 2022 Australian Season. Last night, he proved once again that heart matters as much as height.
The pair produced a picture-perfect first round, stopping the clock at 67.77 with no faults, before returning in the second round to deliver another immaculate clear in 43.47. A reminder of why this partnership has become such a favourite with Australian fans.
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Hot on their heels was Phillip Lever with Billionaire NZPH. Lever and the big bay gelding were also double clear, but their second-round time of 44.27 couldn’t quite match Sam’s turn of foot, leaving them in second place. New Zealand’s Sophie Scott and Normandy GHP rounded out the podium with another double clear, their 44.80 finish showing just how fine the margins were at the top end of the leaderboard.
The Australian colours continued to shine, with Jess Rice-Ward and Tulara Diarangol finishing fourth on a single time fault, and Melissa Blair on Selena C showing great form to place fifth with 4 faults in the first round and a fighting clear in the second. James Mooney and KPH Cavatina filled sixth spot, keeping the competition fierce right through the jump-off.
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It was also a night that highlighted the depth of talent across both the Australian and New Zealand combinations. Riders such as Gemma Creighton on Dada Des Brimbelles Z, Mattea Davidson with Checkamour D, and Sophie Scott’s second ride Benrose Stellar all produced clear first rounds before the challenge of the second caught them out.
But the night truly belonged to Oaks Cassanova. A horse with international experience, boundless energy, and a cheeky personality, he has cemented his place as one of Australia’s most beloved jumpers.
As the World Cup Qualifying Series rolls on, the Waratah leg has set the bar high. With the leaderboard tightening and so many combinations finding form, the road to December’s Sydney Summer Classic Final promises to be one of the most competitive seasons yet.
| Place | Rider | Horse | Round 1 | Round 2 | Time (2nd Rnd) | Total |
| 1 | Samuel Overton | Oaks Cassanova | 0 | 0 | 43.47 | 0 |
| 2 | Phillip Lever | Billionaire NZHP | 0 | 0 | 44.27 | 0 |
| 3 | Sophie Scott (NZL) | Normandy GHP | 0 | 0 | 44.80 | 0 |
| 4 | Jess Rice-Ward | Tulara Diarangol | 1 | 0 | 51.55 | 1 |
| 5 | Melissa Blair | Selena C | 4 | 0 | 48.93 | 4 |
| 6 | James Mooney | KPH Cavatina | 4 | 0 | 51.14 | 4 |
| 7 | Gemma Creighton | Dada Des Brimbelles Z | 0 | 8 | 46.64 | 8 |
| 8 | Mattea Davidson | Checkamour D | 4 | 4 | 48.40 | 8 |
| 9 | Sophie Scott (NZL) | Benrose Stellar | 0 | 8 | 51.80 | 8 |
| 10 | Jamie Winning-Kermond | Tulara WAT Colblensky | 6 | 4 | 47.60 | 10 |
| 11 | Billy Raymont | Caprino | 4 | 12 | 48.15 | 16 |
| 12 | Amber Fuller | Cadenza NZPH | 8 | Wdn | – | 8 + Wdn |
Full Results at: https://online.equipe.com/startlists/1138712
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