The final Australian World Cup Qualifier of the season brought the series to a fitting close, with two demanding rounds that tested scope, accuracy and decision making right to the final fence.

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Following the opening round, 12 combinations were invited back for the second round, with three electing not to return. For those who did, the format rewarded consistency across both rounds, with penalties carrying through and time becoming a decisive factor in shaping the final standings.

Tom McDermott set the early benchmark in the first round with Oaks Ventriloquist, producing the only clear round of the class. Stopping the clock at 77.81 seconds, Tom immediately put pressure on the rest of the field and positioned himself perfectly going into the second round. He returned with composure, adding just two time penalties to finish on a total of two faults and secure the win.

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Tom also featured prominently aboard Cooley Gangster. An eight fault first round left no margin for error, but a fast clear in the second round in 51.65 seconds allowed the combination to climb back up the leaderboard and finish second overall on eight penalties. It was a strong demonstration of pace and intent in the shortened second track.

Hayden Parker (in his first World Cup start) and Tulara Spangenberg followed a similar path. Eight faults in the opening round were matched by a confident clear second round in 53.75 seconds. Their consistency across the two phases saw them finish third, also on eight penalties, with the first round time ultimately separating the placings.

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Paige McBain and Charlotta II sat just outside the leading group after the first round, carrying a single time fault after stopping the clock at 79.81 seconds. In the second round, the pair added seven penalties, four at the fences and three for time, to finish on a total of eight penalties and claim fourth place.

Behind the top four, Billy Raymont produced a notable second round clear with Caprino after a 12 fault first round, while James Mooney, Melissa Blair and Rhys Stones all returned to contest the second round and add valuable experience at World Cup level. Withdrawals from the second round included Anneliese Wansey with Texas, Luke Brown with Tulara Daquine and Gabrielle Chugg with CF Edelweiss.

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With the final qualifier now complete, the Australian World Cup season closes on a performance that highlighted depth across the field and rewarded riders willing to balance caution with commitment when it mattered most.

Congratulations to the top 12:

Full Results: https://online.equipe.com/startlists/1185674

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