The Divas Beverages Showcase of Showjumping returned to Windsor Polo Club this past weekend with world class sport, entertainment and hospitality.
Held for the first time in 2010, Showcase of Showjumping is an event like no other. The vision of the Winning family, this event was established to grow the profile of jumping in Australia and to showcase the “fast paced, action packed world of showjumping just as it happens in the United States and Europe”.
After a nine-year hiatus, Showcase returned with a bang 2025 with the next generation in Jamie Winning-Kermond, Jamie Kermond and their support team at the reins. This year, with the support of Divas Beverages and generous sponsors, the event grew once again and has firmly solidified its status as a must-see attraction on the Australian jumping calendar that attracts both the general public and equestrian enthusiasts alike.
Fresh from building at the FEI World Cup Finals in Forth Worth, Texas and the Longines Global Champions Tour of Mexico City, international course designer Anderson De Moura Lima put competitors to the test in a world class display of sport.
Madeline Sinderberry shines on opening day
Run over four days of competition (23-26 April), the first of the feature classes took place on Friday April 24 with the 1.45m AIR $15,000 Showcase Classic. Fresh from their World Cup Qualifier win at Dressage and Jumping with the Stars, Madeline Sinderberry and Camie Z claimed the class and the $4,500 first prize cheque with a double clear round and a time of 42.40 seconds. Newly crowned Queensland Senior Champions Gemma Creighton and Dada Des Brimbelles Z were hot on their heels but couldn’t quite catch Sinderberry’s time, crossing the finish line in 42.45 for second. Third place went to New Zealand’s Samantha Carrington and Double J Odin.
Team Yandoo Park claim Teams Spectacular
Saturday’s program saw the first of the finals, the $115,000 Teams Spectacular and thrilling polo match.
As the crowds streamed in, eleven teams took to the Divas Arena, each vying for $25,000 first prize cheque. Each team comprised four riders consisting of three seniors and one young rider. With crowds cheering their favourites on, the atmosphere was electric as commentators Rod McQueen and Stephen Lamb guided the audience through the competition.
With the competition decided on three scores (allowing one drop score) Team Yandoo Park stormed home with the win, with Tim Clarke, Josh Collins and young rider Hannah Doolan all recording foot-perfect clear rounds. With three faultless scores locked away, final Team Yandoo competitor Jamie Kermond didn’t need to take to the arena for the team to be crowned victorious (0/238.12).
Whilst Yandoo claimed their spot atop the leaderboard, the other teams battled it out in an exciting showdown for the remaining podium positions. Second place went to Team Lever Equestrian (4/235.12) with Frida Lindgren, Phil Lever, Sam Overton and young rider Eric Zhou.
The youngest team in the competition – comprising three riders all eligible to still compete as young riders and one just a recent graduate – Team Divas Beverages proved that age is just a number, claiming third place on the podium. The team consisting of Alexander Jang, Elkee Lang-McMahon, Anneliese Wansey and Jack Barker finished on a score of 5/240.02.
Following the Teams Spectacular, a Polo Showcase was held – with showjumpers Amber Fuller and Claire Zylstra joining two polo teams that ride off for a $6,000 cheque. This feature brought in quite a big crowd of polo followers and general spectators.
In the Australian International Riders (AIR) arena, Valentia Hercus of King Ranch Equestrian and Calouandra PS claimed the Griffith Family Medium Tour Final (0-0/41.68) ahead of Chase Naylor and Wild Spyder (0-0/42.02). Third place went to hard working Showcase supporter Timothy Clarke and Yossarian (0-0/42.95).
In the SJA Arena, Madeline Sinderberry claimed the first title of the day in the ActiveAir Small Tour Final aboard Crumpet Xtreme (0-0/42.71) ahead of Mattea Davidson and MC Pico Diamonds (0-0/45.05).
Christopher Burton and the impressive grey stallion Deo Chameleon claimed the Liz Watson 5YO and 6YO Final with ease (0-0/40.17), ahead of Josh Collins and Dourkhan’s Dream (0-0/48.28).
Back-to-back Grand Prix wins for Phillip Lever
Sunday’s program built upon the action, with the Divas Beverages $70,000 Grand Prix and the remaining finals.
In the Divas Beverages Arena, Victorians Tanner Robinson and Digger claimed the Ciaron Maher Racing 1.40m Young Rider Final to get the day started (0-0/44.29). Second place went to Penelope Lancaster aboard AP Ninja (0-4/43.94) ahead of Liam Rutland and Adele (0-8/42.54).
Emma Collins and Diamond B Chatterbox (0-0/48.48) claimed the Chatham Park 7YO and 8YO Futurity, ahead of Christopher Burton and Deo Concur (0-4/38.81). Third place went to Ned Calcraft and Glenara Stately (0-4/42.34).
Thirty-four of Australia’s top Grand Prix competitors took to centre stage Sunday afternoon as crowds eagerly gathered ringside to soak in all of the action. With a total prize pool of $70,000 and $22,000 going to the winner, the competition was fierce from the jump.
Eight competitors returned to the second round on zero penalties after jumping clear in the first round. It looked like Emma Collins and Oaks Abracadabra may have had the class run and won (0-0/47.65), until Queenslander Olivia Hamood and Diangella rounded up Collins’ time (0-0/46.78). Defending champions Phillip Lever and Billionaire NZPH left nothing to chance, with the duo crossing the finish line just ahead of Olivia Hamood’s time (0-0/46.17) to shoot to the top of the leaderboard in front of an electric crowd.
Their time proved unbeatable, and therefore Phillip Lever and Billionaire NZPH claimed the Divas Beverages Grand Prix for the second year in a row – crowning the duo back-to-back champions.
In the AIR Arena, Elkee Lang McMahon and Yandoo Honolulu (0-0/41.85) claimed the King Ranch Equestrian 1.25m Junior Final ahead of Valentina Hercus and Cera Catalina (0-0/42.24). Third place went to Jameson Bush aboard Macleay Corella (0-0/47.23).
Current Australian Mini Prix Champions Jack Barker and Cornets Prinzess showed their prowess at the level, claiming the Volpaia Park Mini Prix Final (0-0/44.78) ahead of last year’s Showcase Mini Prix winners Tess McInerney and Quintation (0-0/45.81). Third place went to Jennifer Wood and Crackenback B (0-0/46.36).
In the SJA Arena, Hayley Sutton and LE Calvyn were crowned the IRT Amateur Final Champions (0-0/47.52) ahead of Caitlin Brewer and Wallaroo Covergirl (0-4/50.95). Third place went to Bronte Webb and Oaks Constantino (0-8/43.71).
Teigan Matthews and Baloubell continued their winning ways to claim the Progressive Tour Final (0-0/32.50) ahead of Ruby Davis-Rice and Charly Blue 8 (0-0/35.04). Third place went to Sienna Pullar and Valeska (0-0/35.20).
Iliana Hercus and Ego Miss Moet claimed the hotly contested John Walker and Associates Childrens Final (0-0/34.73) ahead of Evie Magnier and Quinn Z (0-0/34.74). Third place went to Evie Magnier aboard her second nomination Oganella in 0-8/34.16).
Re-watch the action from the Divas Beverages Arena (Ring 1, 24-26 April) here via ClipMyHorse.TV.
