Phillip Level and Billionaire NZPH took out the Senior State Title in style with very consistent performances across three rounds. This combination placed second with a clear round in Round 1, produced the quickest double clear to win Round 2, and were second by the narrowest of margins with a double clear behind Brook Dobbin and Devos GP in Sunday’s Final. Dobbin and Devos GP were rewarded for a consistent three days of competition as the Reserve Champions, with Paul Brent and Fontaine Blue VDL third in the overall Championship.
Billionaire NZPH (by Calvaro Z out of Tax Blue NZPH, by Mr Blue) is owned by Deirdre Hartog, who purchased the New Zealand-bred gelding as a four-year-old.
Billionaire was originally based with and ridden by Jono and Birdy Berry; when the couple relocated back to New Zealand (where they now co-run Haupouri Sport Horses) Deirdre went in search of a new rider. With the horse being a little tricky, it wasn’t easy to find the right match. However, when Phil – who had ridden horses for Deirdre previously – took the reins just over 18 months ago, things eventually clicked and fell into place.
Since then, Phil and Billionaire NZPH have gone on to place in World Cup qualifiers, win the 2024 Australian Senior Title at Willinga Park – and now they have added the 2025 Jumping Victoria State Senior Title to their trophy cabinet.
2025 Jumping Victoria State Title winners:
Senior State Champion: Phillip Level and Billionaire NZPH
Young Rider State Champion: Molly Lawrence and Carabel P
Junior State Champion: Tanner Robinson and Charlie
Amateur State Champion: Sally Black and Jeronimo
Mini Prix Champion: James Harvey and Yirrkala Celeste
Children’s State Champion: Eliza Baird and Bling du Rouet
