In Round 1, Tallara Cameron and 15-year-old Cooley Down Under were the only combination to jump clear around Brazilian course designer Marina Azevedo’s track, carrying just three time penalties into Round 2 and taking the lead heading into the final round. Jumping last the second time out, they held their nerve to produce one of four clear rounds and secure victory.
Cooley Down Under was competing in just his second World Cup Qualifier. Bred in Ireland, by Je T’aime Flamenco out of Cassandra V/D Riloo, Cooley Down Under began his career as an eventer and first competed at FEI level with British rider Oliver Townend.
After arriving in Australia, he competed under Tim Boland and later young rider Ella Smith, who won at CCI2* level with the horse. He also had several starts with Andrew Cooper, including victory in the Tamborine CCI3*-S in 2023.
Still owned by Ella and Neil Smith, Cooley Down Under has now turned his hoof to showjumping and, with Tallara in the saddle, is proving highly successful.
The win was a breakthrough for both horse and rider. Waratah marked Tallara’s second World Cup start in four years and her first World Cup victory. Like Cooley Down Under, Tallara also has a background in eventing.
Amber Fuller and Cadenza NZPH placed second in the CSI1*-W on their Round 1 total of five penalties, while James Paterson-Robinson rounded out the podium aboard Diamond B Vivienne on eight penalties.
2026 Trans-Tasman Test Series gets underway
Waratah also hosted the opening leg of the 2026 Trans-Tasman Test Series, which features both Senior and Young Rider divisions.
The Senior Trans-Tasman Teams Test (1.45m) was won by Australia Senior Team Green, comprising Clem Smith and Oaks Conjuror, Jessie Rice-Ward and Tulara Diarangol, Madeline Sinderberry and Camie Z, and Phillip Lever and Billionaire NZPH.
The Doolan Family Young Rider Trans-Tasman Test Series (1.35m) was won by the New Zealand Young Rider Team, made up of Liam Rutland and Glenara Chartelle M, Samantha Gillies and Lumarzo, Sonya Benison and MF Titan, and Johanna Wylaars and Demietta.
Full results from Waratah World Cup Show can be found here via Equipe.
The second leg of the 2026 Trans-Tasman Test Series will be held at 4CYTE Jumping@Willinga in Bawley Point from 10-13 September. The Senior event is scheduled for Thursday, 10 September, while the Young Rider competition will be held on Friday, 11 September.
The event will also host the next leg of the Australian World Cup League, with the 4CYTE CSI1*-W World Cup Qualifier scheduled for Saturday, 12 September.
