The 2026 Jumping Victoria State Titles took place from 24-26 April at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, with State Champions crowned across the levels.
In the International Horse Breeders Senior State Championship, Hudson Craig claimed the title with Oaks Botswana.
During Friday’s initial round, the combination jumped clear and placed second behind James Harvey and Yirrkala Celeste on time. On Saturday, they went one better to secure a win as the only clear round of a three-horse jump-off – albeit with two time penalties – with James Paterson-Robinson second with Kampari and Sam Conway third with Karlotta DP. Sunday saw another second placing for Hudson and ‘Bots’, and although the duo didn’t have their best outing in the first round with two rails down and a time fault, they added nothing to their scorecard in the second round to finish the third competition with nine faults – behind James Harvey and Yirrkala Celeste on a single time fault.
Consistency paid off, and after three days of competition Hudson and Bots claimed the overall title with a combined point score of 23 based on their placings each day. James Harvey and Yirrkala Celeste were the runners-up on 22, with James Paterson-Robinson and Kampari third on 18.
It was actually at the Jumping Victoria State Titles a few years back where Hudson first spotted ‘Bots’.
Speaking to Equestrian Life in December, Hudson explained how he acquired the gelding: “I watched Rod [Brown] take him around the Futurity at the state titles and had a little sit on him. The next weekend at Boneo, I got to have a proper ride – and we took him home after that.” Known to be a little spooky, it certainly hasn’t been an easy ride – but the combination reached World Cup level last year and continue to improve.
Read more: HUDSON CRAIG’S JUMP INTO THE BIG LEAGUE – Equestrian Life, December 2025
In the Kiernan Civil Young Rider State Title race, Ella Hayward and GPH Quinn emerged victorious after three consistent days of competition, where they placed second in each round. With a win on day two, Charlee Dobbin and Gabriel MVNZ were the runners-up.
Sienna Holdsworth-Rose and Heartline NZ took out the Barton Equine Junior State Title, clinching the win with a decisive victory on the final day. The Junior Title was close throughout and results were varied; Sienna and Heartline NZ finished on a total of 61 points, with the runner-up position tied between Eliza Abrahams (Emcee Street Wise) and Ella Santry (Marine Park Kandoo), who both finished with 59 points.
Madison Felgate and Lachlan Hunter won the Children’s State Title. This combination placed second on day one behind Penelope Mawhinney and off-the-track Thoroughbred Sail On By, before winning the second day. Day three saw a win to Amelia Terrill with Redcliffs Guns and Roses, and this combination ultimately took the runner-up position in the overall title race.
Division winners:
International Horse Breeders Senior State Title: Hudson Craig and Oaks Botswana
Kiernan Civil Young Rider State Title: Ella Hayward and GPH Quinn
Barton Equine Junior State Title: Sienna Holdsworth-Rose and Heartline NZ
Children’s State Title: Madison Felgate and Lachlan Hunter
Gregor & Sandra McCann Mini Prix Series – Final: Russell Johnstone and CF Chantonnay
Desert Sands Futurity Series – Final: James Harvey and GC Carmelita
MAN Civil Amateur Series – Final: Sally Black and Jeronimo
Racing Victoria Off the Track Sapphire Series (Overall Champion): Darcy Wade and Miss Delfyne
Racing Victoria Off the Track Ruby Series (Overall Champion): Lucy Borrack and Oscar Boscaiola
Racing Victoria Off the Track Topaz Series (Overall Champion): Chloe Fletcher and Darwinians Paris Gem
Woolbrae Equestrian Diamond Series – Final: Brook Dobbin and Glenara Manhattan
Chase Equestrian Ruby Series – Final: Holi Campbell and Political Storm
Hillgrange Equestrian Sapphire Series – Final: Sienna Holdsworth-Rose and Rosthwaite Vancouver
Dan El Amethyst Series – Final: Zara Yunghanns and Calaza Park Ellira
Kentucky Equine Research Topaz Series – Final: Chloe Fletcher and Darwinians Paris Gem
