Tom McDermott and Oaks Ventriloquist Shine at Stonewall
The penultimate leg of the 2025 Australian World Cup Qualifying Series at Stonewall Equestrian delivered a gripping afternoon of Jumping yesterday, with Tom McDermott and Oaks Ventriloquist taking a commanding win against a field stacked with talent over the very impressive Julien Pradervand track.
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The atmosphere at the picturesque Central Coast venue was electric as riders chased critical points ahead of next month’s series finale. Twenty-one combinations took to the course, but it was Tom and “Venti” who were the fastest home of the four double clear combinations.
After a smooth and stylish clear in the opening round, Tom and Oaks Ventriloquist returned for the second round with trademark precision, stopping the clock in 51.40 seconds to claim the win.
Close behind, Billy Raymont and Caprino produced their own pair of faultless rounds. Their jump-off time of 54.19 seconds was quick, but not enough to take the victory.
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Rounding out the podium, local rider James Mooney and KPH Cavatina delivered an impressive double clear to finish third in 56.94 seconds to the cheers of the crowd. The grey mare has been building form throughout the season, and Sunday’s result confirmed the combination as one to watch.
Another standout performance came from Sam Overton and Oaks Cassanova, who once again demonstrated why they are among Australia’s most admired combinations. The chestnut gelding, bred by Oaks Sport Horses, jumped two beautiful clear rounds to take fourth place with a time of 57.15 seconds.
Fifth went to Phillip Lever and Billionaire NZPH, who posted one of the fastest times of the day but dropped a single rail in the first round, to finish on four faults. Sarah-Louise McMillan and Tyrone, in their first appearance for the season also recorded a four-fault first round to place sixth, followed by Rhys Stones and Riverton Kanntador in seventh and Gabi Chugg with CF Edelweiss in eighth.
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Anneliese Wansey and Texas took ninth after a clear second round, while Hugh Buchanan and Christamour D completed the top ten.
As the sun set over Stonewall, the sense of anticipation was clear — one more round to decide who will be crowned this year’s Australian World Cup Series Champion.
Top 12 – Stonewall World Cup Qualifier
| Place | Rider | Horse | Second Round Time | Penalties over Two Rounds |
| 1 | Thomas McDermott | Oaks Ventriloquist | 51.40 | 0 |
| 2 | Billy Raymont | Caprino | 54.19 | 0 |
| 3 | James Mooney | KPH Cavatina | 56.94 | 0 |
| 4 | Samuel Overton | Oaks Cassanova | 57.15 | 0 |
| 5 | Phillip Lever | Billionaire NZPH | 53.87 | 4 |
| 6 | Sarah-Louise McMillan | Tyrone | 57.38 | 4 |
| 7 | Rhys Stones | Riverton Kanntador | 54.69 | 8 |
| 8 | Gabrielle Chugg | CF Edelweiss | 57.75 | 8 |
| 9 | Anneliese Wansey | Texas | 61.33 | 8 |
| 10 | Hugh Buchanan | Christamour D | 62.03 | 12 |
| 11 | Billy Raymont | Blue Balou PS | ||
| 12 | Gemma Creighton | Dada des Brimbelles Z |
Full Results at:https://online.equipe.com/startlists/1165833
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