Australia Green Claim Opening Win in Trans-Tasman Senior Challenge

Australian Jumping

Above: Billy Raymont and Caprino. Australia Green Team

The first leg of the 2025 Trans-Tasman Test Series got underway under lights at the Waratah World Cup Show yesterday, with three strong senior teams lining up for national pride. After two fiercely contested rounds, it was Australia Green who came out on top, delivering a statement performance to kick off the series.

The Australian riders were split into two teams, Green and Gold, with New Zealand also fielding a talented squad. Each combination jumped one round under Nations Cup rules, where the drop score applies to the combination in each team with the highest number of penalties.

For Australia Green, both Gemma Creighton on Dada Des Brimbelles Z and Mattea Davidson with Checkamour D were unstoppable, not touching a pole and each finishing on a clean sheet. Billy Raymont and Caprino added 4 faults but when called into the jump-off, they sealed the team victory with a sharp clear in 38.18 seconds. Phillip Lever and Billionaire NZPH provided the drop score with 8 faults.

Australia Gold made sure it was no runaway for their Aussie mates. Jennifer Wood and Ipod jumped a steady 4, while Jess Rice-Ward and Tulara Diarangol carried 8 faults which became the drop score. Both Anneliese Wansey and Texas, and Samuel Overton on Conchita Van De Helle, delivered brilliant clears, Wansey adding speed in the jump-off with a clear in 40.64 seconds. With all combinations contributing, it was a close finish behind Green.

New Zealand showed the grit that has long defined their riders. Logan Massie and Bravado Ego Z scored 5, while Emma Gillies and Lafayet Ego Z, along with Sam Whale on Fleur DeLacour, each carried 4 faults. The standout came from Sophie Scott and Normandy GHP, who delivered a smooth clear, ensuring the Kiwis stayed right in the mix.

It was the perfect start for Australia Green, with the team’s blend of experience and composure proving decisive. But with two more tests to come, nothing is certain. New Zealand will be eager to strike back, and Australia Gold have already shown they have the firepower to take the top step.

The second leg of the Trans-Tasman Test Series promises more drama, more clear rounds, and more national pride on the line.

Detailed Results – Senior Trans-Tasman Challenge (Leg 1)

Team	Rider	Horse	Round 1	Jump-Off
Australia Green	Phillip Lever	Billionaire NZPH	(8)
	Gemma Creighton	Dada Des Brimbelles Z	0
	Mattea Davidson	Checkamour D	0
	Billy Raymont	Caprino	4	0 / 38.18
Australia Gold	Jennifer Wood	Ipod	4
	Jess Rice-Ward	Tulara Diarangol	(8)
	Anneliese Wansey	Texas	0	0 / 40.64
	Samuel Overton	Conchita Van De Helle	0
New Zealand	Logan Massie	Bravado Ego Z	(5)
	Emma Gillies	Lafayet Ego Z	4
	Sam Whale	Fleur DeLacour	4
	Sophie Scott	Normandy GHP	0

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