New Zealand Young Riders Triumph in Final Trans-Tasman Test at Willinga Park

Australian Jumping

The Young Rider Trans-Tasman Series came to an exciting conclusion at Willinga Park this evening, with New Zealand producing a gritty performance to edge out Australia Green and Australia Gold in the final round.

Managed by Jamie Campbell-Ward, the New Zealand squad showed both resilience and composure, finishing on a team total of 15 to take the honours. Molly Moffatt and Lazarus GNZ were the standouts, delivering a superb clear in the second round after carrying just 3 penalties in the opener. Sophia Blackbourn and LT Holst Zalato Blue backed this up with 0 and 4 faults across their two rounds, while Emma Gillies and Benrose Black Jack fought hard to add a clear first round to their tally before finishing with 8 faults in the second. Liam Rutland and Adele picked up 18 in the opening round before bouncing back with a strong 4-fault effort in round two, ensuring the team had the depth needed to secure victory.

Australia Green, under David Sheppard’s guidance, pushed their rivals all the way, ending on a total of 16 – just a single fault behind. Alexander Jang and Parallax SCF impressed with two flawless clears, while Charlie Magnier and Notre Dame de Bourguignon, Cody Tincknell with Numero Too, and Jack Barker on Oaks Cryptic all returned matching 4 and 4 rounds, leaving the Greens just shy of top spot.

Australia Gold, led by Martin Gostelow, showed plenty of promise but finished with a team total of 22. Hannah Doolan and Checkbook were the highlight, producing a classy second-round clear after a single time penalty in the first. Tanner Robinson and Casiana added 4 and 4, while Molly Lawrence and Carabel P were eliminated in the second round after a strong clear in the first. Emily Lang-McMahon and Ellisimo endured a tough night, finishing with 8 and 13, but still fought hard for their team until the last fence.

The final round at Willinga Park showcased the very best of the Trans-Tasman rivalry: young riders digging deep, horses stepping up, and teams showing enormous spirit. With New Zealand taking the victory tonight and Australia Green finishing just one penalty behind, the stage is set for this next generation to carry the fierce but friendly competition forward.

Team	Rider	Horse	Round 1	Round 2	Total Faults
New Zealand	Liam Rutland	Adele	18	4	22
	Sophia Blackbourn	LT Holst Zalato Blue	0	4	4
	Molly Moffatt	Lazarus GNZ	3	0	3
	Emma Gillies	Benrose Black Jack	4	8	12
Team Total					15
Australia Green	Charlie Magnier	Notre Dame de Bourguignon	4	4	8
	Alexander Jang	Parallax SCF	0	0	0
	Cody Tincknell	Numero Too	4	4	8
	Jack Barker	Oaks Cryptic	4	4	8
Team Total					16
Australia Gold	Emily Lang-McMahon	Ellisimo	8	13	21
	Molly Lawrence	Carabel P	0	EL
	Hannah Doolan	Checkbook	1	0	1
	Tanner Robinson	Casiana	4	4	8
Team Total					22

View Comments

Comments

comments

New Zealand Young Riders Triumph in Final Trans-Tasman Test at Willinga Park

Comments

News