Above: Valentina Hercus and Cera Catalina.

The 2026 Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival, widely regarded as the crown jewel of equine sport in Australia, kicked off in trademark style with the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping today. Run over a single day, the event stands apart as the richest Jumping fixture in the country by a significant margin, attracting many of the nation’s leading Senior and Junior riders and drawing a packed crowd.

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For Junior riders, Magic Millions offers a rare opportunity to compete alongside established names in the sport, in an electric environment more commonly associated with major international events. With full VIP marquees and spectator stands all contributing to the atmosphere, the intensity is unlike any other Jumping competition on the Australian calendar.

The opening competition delivered quality sport from start to finish, with the top three combinations all producing double clear rounds.

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Victory went to Valentina Hercus and the 2015 mare Cera Catalina, owned by King Ranch Equestrian. The pair were faultless across both rounds, posting a first-round time of 59.69 seconds before producing the fastest clear of round two in 35.33 seconds to finish on a zero total and claim the $3,000 winner’s cheque.

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Second place was secured by Elkee Lang McMahon riding the grey mare Balmoral Lassandra. Also clear across both rounds, their times of 58.07 and 35.74 saw them finish just behind the winners on speed, earning $2,200.

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Third place went to James Hosie aboard AMS Ajaccio NZPH, a 2009 bay mare bred by New Zealand Performance Horses and owned by Skye Hosie. Two composed clear rounds in 60.34 and 36.31 completed a strong podium performance and secured $1,200.

Congratulations Juniors on a fantastic class.

Top six placings:

Full results: https://online.equipe.com/startlists/1187828

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