The Australian World Cup season opened today with a demanding first Qualifier at Shepparton, hosted by Northern Victorian Show Jumping Club (NVSJC), that immediately tested both horses and riders, with only two combinations able to produce a clear round in the opening round of the competition over the David Sheppard designed track.

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With the time allowed set at 87 seconds, the course proved influential from the outset. Rails fell across the field and many combinations picked up faults, leaving just two riders returning for the second round on a clean scorecard. Those two riders were Sarah McMillan with Tyrone and Amber Fuller with Cadenza NZPH, both producing careful and composed rounds to set the benchmark for the class.

Sarah and Tyrone were the first to lay down a faultless performance, stopping the clock in 85.14 seconds to take an early lead. Amber was the final rider out, delivering another clear round in 84.68 seconds, ensuring the pair would go forward to the second round as the only two combinations without penalties.

When the second round began, the pressure was firmly on the riders carrying four faults from the opening round to try to climb the leaderboard. However, the two leaders proved impossible to catch. Both Sarah and Amber returned to produce another clear round, making them the only two combinations to finish the class with double clears.

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Sarah and Tyrone ultimately secured the win with their second round clear in 48.93 seconds, collecting the maximum  World Cup points to begin the series. Amber and Cadenza NZPH finished close behind in second place after stopping the clock in 49.14 seconds to open their campaign strongly.

Madeline Sinderberry and Camie Z completed the podium after carrying four faults from the first round. Madi returned in the second round determined to apply pressure and produced one of the quickest clear rounds of the class in 46.66 seconds. Their total of four faults secured third place and valuable points.

Sam Overton delivered a consistent performance with Oaks Cassanova to finish fourth overall. After a single rail in the first round, Sam returned to jump clear in the second round in 47.49 seconds to finish on four faults.

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Rhys Stones and Riverton Kanntador placed fifth, also finishing on a total of four faults. After their rail in the opening round, Rhys produced a careful clear second round in 48.35 seconds to remain among the leading combinations.

Sam Overton also featured again in the top six with Conchita Van De Helle. The pair completed the class on four faults after a clear second round in 49.31 seconds. As Sam’s second, Conchita Van De Helle was not eligible for World Cup points.

The opening qualifier suggests that we are in for a competitive 2026 Australian World Cup season series.

We don’t have long to wait until the next Qualifier at Dressage and Jumping with the Stars (DJWTS) at Werribee next Saturday.

Top 12 Results – Shepparton FEI World Cup Qualifier