It was the Junior riders’ time to shine in the opening class on the Main Arena this morning on Day 2 of the Pet Circle Australian Jumping Championships. A total of 69 combinations took to the arena in this round 1 competition, all aiming to get the best start possible in the championship. This class will be followed by a second round scheduled for tomorrow, then the final on Sunday, where only the top half of the competitors over the two qualifying rounds will be invited to compete.

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This morning’s first round was run as a speed class meaning the winner would be the fastest around the course with four seconds to be added for each rail down. While some of the early combinations went close, it wasn’t until we saw the 15th combination out that anybody was able to break the 60 second mark. Charlie Magnier and his mare Quinn Z, zipped around the course in just 59.20 seconds to take the lead in the competition.

The next combination to break the 60 second mark were the local pair of Harley McNaughton and Bloomfield SSNZ. Harley, who won the 2024 Australian Children’s Championship got around the course in 59.82 seconds. Fast, but not fast enough to take the lead.

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The competition underwent a change in complexion when Charlie Magnier reappeared, this time riding the gelding Ogano. They rocketed around the course, all clear, in a time of 57.89 seconds to take the lead, putting Charlie in first and second place on the leader board.

His dominance of the class was short lived. Just four combinations later Valentina Hercus and Carousel GV, a combination that finished second behind Harley in last year’s Children’s title, put together a fantastic round, finishing in 59.08 to slot in between the two Magnier ridden combinations and claim second place.

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The podium looked settled until very late in the start order, the reigning Australian Junior Champion combination of Hannah Doolan and Tulara Lady Zirocca made their appearance. A great effort by them saw them record a clear round and finish in 59.69 seconds, which was enough for them to finish in fourth place, less than half a second out of third.

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It was a wonderful morning of jumping, with these Juniors putting on an excellent display. We look forward to seeing how this championship unfolds over the course of the show.

The placegetters in the class are detailed below:

CLASS 7: WINNING GROUP: AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP (ROUND 1) – 1.25m

For full results of the class, click HERE.

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