For a rider who has represented Australia at both the Olympic Games and World Championships, you might imagine that a World Cup victory would already feature on his impressive competition record. But this afternoon at Stonewall International, James Paterson-Robinson (JPR) added a very special first to his list of achievements, claiming his maiden World Cup Qualifier victory aboard the wonderful mare Diamond B Vivienne.

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It was a memorable afternoon for JPR, the entire team and all those connected with the talented 16-year-old mare, as the combination delivered the only double clear of the competition to take victory in the Divas Beverages CSI1*-W World Cup Qualifier at the 2026 Stonewall International.

And while JPR celebrated a long-awaited World Cup breakthrough, there was another particularly impressive performance worth celebrating, with Lane Clarke and James Bugatti producing two outstanding rounds to finish runners-up in what is still the early stages of their World Cup career together.

The 1.55m competition, held in the Pryde’s EasiFeed Grand Prix Arena on Saturday 17 October, attracted 23 starters, with riders facing a demanding two-round track by International Course Designer Julien Pradervand.

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The opening round proved a significant test, with just two combinations managing to leave every fence standing and finish within the time allowed. JPR and Diamond B Vivienne and Melissa Blair and Selena C.

Above: James Paterson-Robinson and Diamond B Vivienne.

Lane Clarke and his talented 10-year-old gelding James Bugatti were also very much in contention. A single rail in an otherwise excellent opening round saw them finish on four penalties, but their time of 76.80 seconds demonstrated that they had plenty to offer as the competition progressed.

With the top 12 combinations returning for the second round, the pressure was firmly on, and the final placings remained very much up for grabs.

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Lane rose magnificently to the occasion, producing a superb clear round aboard James Bugatti in 53.74 seconds. It was a confident and competitive performance that brought their final tally to just four penalties and firmly established them as contenders for a podium finish.

For a combination still relatively new to World Cup competition, second place in a field of experienced riders is a tremendous achievement. Lane and James Bugatti showed not only the scope and ability required at this level, but also the composure and competitiveness to deliver when it mattered. Their performance was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the afternoon and an exciting indication of what may lie ahead for this partnership.

Above: Lane Clarke and James Bugatti.

Melissa and Selena C, meanwhile, were looking to build on their excellent opening clear. Unfortunately, a single rail in the second round added four penalties to their score, but another strong performance saw them finish on a total of four penalties, securing a thoroughly deserved third place.

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That left JPR and Diamond B Vivienne with the opportunity to seal a historic personal victory.

Having already delivered a faultless first round, JPR knew that another clear would put the result beyond doubt. And that is exactly what he produced.

The experienced Olympian and this talented mare rose to the challenge, completing their second round without penalty in 55.14 seconds, finishing on a perfect score of zero across both rounds.

It was the only double clear of the competition and a fitting way to secure a first World Cup victory.

For JPR, whose career has taken him to some of the biggest stages in international Jumping, this was another significant milestone, made all the more special by achieving it with Diamond B Vivienne. The 2010-born daughter of Vivant, out of a mare by Conquistador, is owned by Diamond B Farm, and today’s success is a wonderful result for everyone involved in her journey.

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The remaining placings also reflected the demanding nature of the afternoon’s competition. Phillip Lever and Billionaire NZPH finished fourth on eight penalties, producing the fastest clear second round of the class in 51.63 seconds after carrying eight penalties from round one. Robert Palm and Jaybee Vibrant completed the top five, also finishing on eight penalties, while Chris Chugg and CF Edelweiss secured sixth place on 13.

There was plenty to celebrate at Stonewall this afternoon. A first World Cup victory for an accomplished Australian Olympian, a superb runner-up performance from an exciting developing partnership, and a competition that demonstrated just how demanding and rewarding World Cup Jumping can be.

For James Paterson-Robinson and Diamond B Vivienne, it was a day of firsts and a thoroughly deserved moment in the spotlight. For Lane Clarke and James Bugatti, it was another important step forward in what promises to be an exciting World Cup journey.

Full Results: https://online.equipe.com/startlists/1316988

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