Sport
20 March, 2025
Championships attract quality entries
THE Western District Showjumping Championships showcased some of the best local talent the region has to offer this month.
The event, which is the Caramut Riding Club’s feature event, was held at the Tea Tree Lake showgrounds in Mortlake over the long weekend from March 8-10.
Caramut Riding Club president Leah Teal said the event had some of the best entries in years.
“It was good to see the numbers up a little on the last couple of years at the championships,” she said.
“We’ve had more come over from Gippsland and Shepparton, more from up north.”
Two of the feature events of the championships, the Binnie Barclay Grand Prix and the Mini Prix, each produced equal winners.
“We had 14 starters in our grand prix, probably our highest in a few years,” Mrs Teal said.
“We had joint winners in the Binnie Barclay, with both winners Jess Pateman (Celso) and Russell Johnstone (Cantara) having both won previously, so we ended up with equal first for the first time in over a decade.
“We also had good numbers in Mini Prix with 14 starters, and also ended up with equal winners after they finished with the same time in the jump-off round.
“The Mini Prix was won by Scottie Barclay, who comes along every year to show his support as the Grand Prix and Junior Championships are named after his parents.
“He finished equal with Rachel Gane, who is a local rider from Colac.”
Mrs Teal said the event proved a strong day for both competitors and those eagerly watching on.
“There was of great riders and really good competition with a great atmosphere – everyone had a good time,” she said.
“It’s one of the features of our show because we only have the one showjumping ring, so it’s relaxed in between rounds for riders.
“That aspect makes it more enjoyable for the competitors even though we’re jumping to the higher level.
“There was also a great showing from lots of junior riders with Lucy Borrack our junior winner.
“Monday was well supported with lots of juniors coming along because we started at lower jumping heights, which gives everyone a chance.”
Results for the 2025 Western District Showjumping Championships was:
Terang & Mortlake Vet Clinic 1m Special 2 Phase.
1st Mikayla Hogg (Which is Witch), 2nd Libby Halliday (Libadee Park Flowersforlucy) and 3rd Harriet Thomson (Champagne Lola).
Class 2 - DLT Building Surveying 1.10m
1st Libby Halliday (Libadee Park Flowersforlucy) 2nd Kristy McSween (Busy Bee) and 3rd Darcy Prime (Camacho).
Class 3 - MH Showjumping 1.20m
1st Jorjia Kirsopp-Cole (Tame the Tiger), 2nd Tim Clarke (Yossarian) and 3rd Greg Smith (Diamond B Bugsy).
Class 4 - Premier Floats 1.30m
1st Kate Beadel (Charlotte Elmare), 2nd Russell Johnstone (Cantara) and 3rd Adam Johnston (Gonna Fly Now).
Class 5 - Premier Floats 1m Special 2 Phase.
1st Libby Halliday (Libadee Park Flowersforlucy), 2nd Mikayla Hogg (Which is Witch) and 3rd Majella Ryan (Champy).
Class 6a - Mount Shadwell Championship
1st Russell Johnstone (Yalambi’s Neptune), 2nd Tilley Fair (Patangas Miami) and 3rd Jess Pateman (Well John).
Class 6b - John Barclay Junior Championship
1st Lucy Borrack (Giulia MH), 2nd Darcy Prime (Camacho) and 3rd Rosemary Sutherland (TularaForrie).
Binnie Barclay Grand Prix
Equal 1st Jess Pateman (Celso) and Russell Johnstone (Cantara) and 3rd Adam Prime (Saddle Up Smudge).
Olivine Championship
1st Jorjia Kirsopp-cole (Tame the Tiger), 2nd Russell Johnstone (CF Chantonnay) and 3rd Tim Clarke (Yossarian).
Class 9 - Mini Prix
Equal 1st - Rachael Gane (Minnamurra Park Calatol) and Scottie Barclay (Cashed Up) and 3rd Kate Beadel (Glenara Vaquero).
Class 10 - W&D Rural 85cm.
1st Phoebe Ross (Aspen Way Debutant), 2nd Millie Mould (Bahgallah Bantam) and 3rd Chloe Reimers (Marglyn Freedom).
Class 11a - Robbie Leishman Junior Jump
1st Marly Wright (Bonnie Valley Nobuck Boris), 2nd Bonnie King (Kenda Park Warrior) and 3rd Matilda Mason (Deceptive).
Class 11b – South West Equine Veterinary 95cm
1st Elise Whittaker (Cayuse Flash Duke), 2nd Elise Whittaker (Bell Spot Winter Storm) and 3rd Grace Morrison (Cadello).
Class 12 - Ackroyd & Dadswell 104cm
1st Mikayla Hogg (Which is Witch), 2nd Clementine Thomson (Hebrides) and 3rd Millie Richardson (Northern Star Poppy).
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