Kiwis ruled at the Tamworth World Cup Show in Australia at the weekend, winning both the senior and young rider Trans-Tasman Test clashes, with Sophie Scott also taking out the World Cup qualifier.
Sophie and Normandy GHP headed home 19 other combinations in the action-packed CSI1*-W class. It was just Normandy’s second World Cup start. The Aussie bred chestnut finished with a single time penalty, picked up in the opening round. “Norm jumped super,” said 23-year-old Sophie. “It is more than I could have asked for in just his second World Cup start. He is a phenomenal horse but we knew that when we bought him. We are very excited for his future.”
Sophie Scott with Normandy GHP winners of FEI World Cup in Tamworth, with mum Tania Scott.
The top three all sat on a single fault but Sophie’s 48.22-second time was enough to edge out Samuel Overton aboard Cha Cha Blue Chip who stopped the clock at 50.67 and James Mooney on KPH Cavatina who came home in 52.93. Sophie was also seventh aboard Benrose Stellar who picked up four faults in the second round, with Samantha Whale and Fleur DeLacour rounding out the top 10.
It was a great come-back for the senior trans tasman team who finished with no faults in a combined time of 177.14 seconds from the second round. Sophie Scott and Normandy GHP , Sam Whale with Fleur DeLacour and Emma Gillies aboard Lafayet Ego Z all rode double clears with Oliver Croucher and NRS Ricochet MVNZ picking up four in the second round. Runners-up Australian green had four faults from the two rounds in 181.04 with Australia gold on 16 faults in 177.8.
Jumping Senior Trans Tasman Team. Winner in thee second leg of the Trans Tasman Series in Tamworth.
The trans tasman young riders were all class, notching their second consecutive win of the three leg series. Double clears came from Molly Moffatt aboard Lazarus GNZ and the very busy Emma Gillies on Benrose Black Jack. Catalina Rocco aboard Orietta MVNZ and Sophia Blackbourn with Roxette ECPH had four faults apiece. The team finished on zero in 181.57 seconds. Runners-up were Australia green on four faults in 189.46 and third were Australia gold with eight faults in 192.93 seconds.
Jumping Young Rider winning team at the second leg of the Trans Tasman in Tamworth
Chef d’equipe Jaime Campbell-Ward was over the moon with both teams. “We have had an exceptional week,” she said. “The seniors brilliant double clear means it all comes down to the final clash in Willinga with a win apiece to Australia and New Zealand.” She described the young rider win at Tamworth as a “huge achievement”. “It has now secured them the overall series victory and having such a clean slate on the board was just incredible.”
The riders had created quite a special team environment. “The unity and professionalism that has been shown on both teams has really created the atmosphere and environment we are trying to build. It has been especially rewarding to hear comments from the Australian riders and supporters how focused and composed our teams have been under pressure. Despite the intensity they have kept their cool and delivered.”
The support among the riders and contribution of team members had also been noted. Sam Wakeling had originally been crossing the Tasman as part of the team but her horse Verona was out with injury, however she still made the journey to support the team.
“She came over to watch and help. The presence of family and friends in the New Zealand camp has created a really positive team environment too. I couldn’t be prouder of them all. They have done all this off their own bat and proven their class on the big stage. They have made it easy for me to step into the role. It is a real privilege to be here with the team.”
Most of the riders will now take a couple of week off before building up again for Willinga.
Other results for the Kiwis at Tamworth include Jeremy Whale and Kingslea Centrose placing second in the 1.45m World Cup Welcome Stakes. Sophia Blackbourn and LT Holst Zalato Blue fifth in the Young Rider Tour 1.25m qualifier. Sam Whale and LP were fifth in the second Silver Tour qualifier, with Catalina Rocco aboard Orietta MVNZ seventh in the final.
By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
1st September 2025