The World Cup class at Willinga Park tonight delivered a thrilling contest, with Phillip Lever and Deirdre Hartog’s Billionaire NZPH taking the win in commanding style over the challenging but fair Gavin Chester track.

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With 8 of the 12 combinations called back or Round Two carrying zero penalties, it promised to be an exciting finale and we were not disappointed. Phillip, fresh from a string of strong results, showed why he and ‘Brown’ are regarded as one of the most consistent pairs on the Australian circuit. The combination produced two faultless rounds and stopping the clock at 44.73 seconds in the jump-off to secure their first World Cup win together.

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Finishing in a very close second were Tom McDermott and Oaks Ventriloquist. Tom guided the talented gelding to a double clear, crossing the finish in 45.77 seconds, just behind Phil.

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New Zealand’s Sophie Scott was once again impressive, taking third with Normandy GHP after delivering two flawless rounds in 46.56 seconds. Sophie also campaigned Benrose Stellar, who was clear in the opening round before collecting 4 faults in the second, finishing in sixth place overall.

Jamie Winning-Kermond and Tulara Wat Colblensky took fourth with another double clear, their time of 47.03 just outside the top three. Rounding out the top five was Josh Collins on Cornel, also double clear in 47.33.

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Among the other standout performances were Billy Raymont and Caprino, who jumped clear in the first round but collected 4 faults in the second, as did Sam Overton and Oaks Cassanova, who thrilled the crowd with their trademark heart but had a rail down in the jump-off.

The atmosphere at Willinga Park was electric as the class unfolded, with the crowd treated to high-quality jumping from some of Australia and New Zealand’s finest combinations.

For Phillip, tonight’s victory was another highlight in what has already been a standout season.