The indoor arena at AELEC in Tamworth came alive tonight as riders from across Australia and New Zealand contested the CSI1*-W World Cup Qualifier, the latest round in the Australian World Cup Jumping Series in front of a huge crowd. After two tough rounds over the Mark Atkins designed track, it was New Zealand’s Sophie Scott and Normandy GHP who claimed the win in a nail-biting finish.

Advertisement

Twenty combinations started in the two-round competition under Article 273.4.3b-W, but it was Sophie and the 10-year-old chestnut gelding, Normandy GHP, who showed the composure and precision needed to emerge on top. The pair incurred a single time fault in Round 1 and backed it up with a flawless second round, stopping the clock at 48.22 seconds to finish on a total of just one penalty.

Finishing in second place was Queensland’s Sam Overton aboard the striking bay gelding Cha Cha Blue GHP (by Chacco-Blue), who matched Scott’s penalty count, just one time fault in Round 1 and a clear in Round 2, but was edged out on time, finishing in 50.67 seconds.

One of the most special aspects of the night were that both the winner and second place horses were produced by Olivia Hamood at Glen Haven Park in Kilcoy, Queensland.

Advertisement

It’s another strong showing for Overton, who has had a great week last week taking out the Waratah Showjumping World Cup on Oaks Cassanova. Notably tonight he also finished sixth with his second mount Conchita Van De Helle, highlighting the depth of talent within the Overton Showjumping stable.

Third place went to James Mooney with KPH Cavatina, a grey mare by Cera Cassiago. Like the top two finishers, they picked up one time penalty in the opening round before posting a clear second round in 52.93 seconds, enough to secure the final spot on the podium.

Further down the leaderboard, seasoned campaigners and young horses alike put in admirable performances. Clem Smith and Oaks Conjuror delivered a quick clear in the second round, marred only by four jumping penalties in Round 1, landing them in fourth place. Just behind them was Billy Raymont, riding Caprino into fifth place after a similar 4-fault first round and a clean second.

Advertisement

It was a strong night for Sam Overton and Sophie Scott, who each had two horses in the top seven. Sophie’s second mount, Benrose Stellar, also jumped clear in Round 1 and incurred a rail in the second, finishing seventh.

Special mentions go to Paige McBain with Carlos JD Z, Gemma Creighton on Dada Des Brimbelles Z, and Mattea Davidson with Checkamour D, all of whom demonstrated great form across both rounds and kept the competition fierce.

As the Australian World Cup Qualifying Series heads into its final legs, the leaderboard is tightening, and every result counts. With just a few qualifiers remaining, riders are not only chasing individual wins but also vital points toward securing their place at the 2026 FEI World Cup Final.

Advertisement

The next stop at Willing Park is eagerly anticipated, and after Tamworth’s electric night of sport, the stage is well and truly set.

Full Results: https://online.equipe.com/startlists/1143361

Advertisement