The Adelaide International CCI5* riders braved the increasingly warm conditions to put on a series of world-class show jumping performances that had everyone at the edge of their seats and gasping with anticipation at every turn.
It was Hazel Shannon on thoroughbred Willingapark Clifford that reigned supreme with 45.9 after having just one rail down this afternoon. Hazel and Willingapark Clifford are the only combination to win the Adelaide CCI5*L four times – 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2025 – a significant and historical feat for the duo. Clifford is now 19, turning 20 this year – a truly incredible feat.
While Clifford is these days owned by Hazel, the partnership nearly ended in 2017 when the horse’s original owner had to sell him due to financial reasons; the late Terry Snow of Willinga Park stepped in and bought Clifford at the time, allowing the partnership to continue. What a legacy Hazel and Clifford have now created.
Shane Rose and thoroughbred The Bandit finished in second place with 48.3 after having three rails down, and Samuel Jeffree on Wimborne Conjuror finished in third place with 50.4 with just the one rail down today.
Hazel Shannon said: “It’s pretty unbelievable. It was just up to Clifford with what he wanted to do and how competitive he wanted to be. He decided that this year was another one to have a win. He’s a horse that has defied the odds.”
Samuel Jeffree said: “It’s a bit unreal – pretty stoked with the horses. They’ve come through really well. Amazing. I’m lost for words.”
It was an unlucky day for Sophia Hill and Humble Glory, who cantered past a fence and were unfortunately eliminated. They had started the day in second place on 41.2 and were in fine form with only one rail down when the bell rang. Sophia managed to leave the ring with a smile on her face – mistakes happen, and when your horse has gone clear and under time on cross country the day before and was jumping so well in the final phase, what else can you do.
Shane Rose and Easy Turn win Horseland CCI4*S
The Horseland CCI4*S followed after the lunch time break and delivered an immaculate display of performances. Following a faultless round, first place was awarded to Shane Rose and Easy Turn with 36.7.
Shane Rose, three-time Olympic medallist, led from start to finish in the CCI4*S on Easy Turn and finished with 36.7. Easy Turn is his top horse for the 2025 season, which he now aims to take overseas for an international CCI5*L later in the year.
Sophia Hill and Tulara Baltango finished in second place with 44.7 and Hannah Klep and Tulara Chicouve in third place with 46.9.
Sophia Hill said: “Very happy with that. My horse was great, and he jumped a clear round so I’m stoked with him.”
Hannah Klep said: “A bit lost for words… it’s kind of a bit surreal. He’s an amazing horse and I’ve just had to work really hard the past seven years to work out how to ride him. He’s very quirky and spooky and tricky but he’s so talented. It’s been a long journey, but all the rewards are starting to come now which is exciting.”
Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar take out Racing SA CCI3*L
The Racing SA CCI3*L commenced at 10am to the sound of the bell ringing in the Gillian Rolton Main Arena. Among a series of clear runs and rail drops the crowd remained on high alert and eagerly cheered on their favourites in this final stage.
It was tight at the top of the leader board, but Oliver Barrett took out first place with 29.7 with Emily Gray and Legal Chase in second with 32.4. Only mere moments away was Hannah Deegan and HK Hawthorn in third place finishing with 32.8.
It was a successful and emotionally charged weekend for Oliver Barrett who also was awarded Bates Saddle Young Rider Championship.
Oliver Barrett said: “I’m over the moon. My horse this week has been unbelievable and it’s a real credit to him.”
Adelaide International CCI5* results:
1. Hazel Shannon and WILLINGAPARK CLIFFORD (AUS) 45.9
2. Shane Rose and THE BANDIT (AUS) 48.3
3. Samuel Jeffree and WIMBORNE CONJUROR (AUS) 50.4
Horseland CCI4*S results:
1. Shane Rose and EASY TURN (AUS) 36.7
2. Sophia Hill and TULARA BALTANGO (AUS) 44.7
3. Hannah Klep and TULARA CHICOUVE (AUS) 46.9
The Racing SA CCI*3L results:
1. Oliver Barrett and SANDHILLS BRIAR (AUS) 29.7
2. Emily Gray and LEGAL CHASE (AUS) 32.4
3. Hannah Deegan and HK HAWTHORN (AUS) 32.8
Full results from Adelaide Equestrian Festival can be found here.
Andrew Cooper presented with Anna Savage Award
The Anna Savage Award is presented at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival each year. This award commemorates the tragic death of eventing rider Anna Savage who died in a fall during the cross country phase of the Naracoorte Horse Trials in 1997. At the time Anna was listed on the Elite Eventing Squad and was working towards Olympic selection for Sydney 2000. A Foundation was set up to honour Anna and celebrate her achievements as one of our country’s finest equestrian athletes and a favourite competitor amongst her peers. Athletes competing at Adelaide CCI5*, Melbourne CCI4* and Sydney CCI4* are awarded votes against the three set criteria of competitive excellence, horsemanship and sportsmanship by a panel of Senior Event Officials.
This year, Andrew Cooper was the recipient of this special award.
R.M. Williams Corporate Cup goes to team Evans & Ayers
The inaugural R.M.Williams Corporate Cup was awarded to Evans & Ayers with a team total of
110.6. The team comprised of Racing SA CCI3*L Tahlia Pursell and Astro NZPH, Racing SA CCI3*L Georgia Rohde and Cassio Xtreme and Horseland CCI4*S Shane Rose and Easy Turn. The R.M.Williams Corporate Cup represents a dynamic new initiative designed to foster a team-based atmosphere for competitors and non-equine industry sponsors.
The Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chair Greg Rolton thanked spectators, sponsors, volunteers and competitors who had travelled far and wide to make the 2025 event a great success.
“There are so many working parts to deliver a world-class event such as the Adelaide Equestrian Festival and we are extremely fortunate to have everyone come together to ensure that this 5-star competition is unmatched.”
“It’s been wonderful to see such strong attendance across the four days and to have been spoilt with such perfect conditions this year. South Australia has looked fantastic on the world stage thanks to our global coverage.”
“This great sport continues to gain momentum and with seamless performances like we have been privileged to see unfold before our eyes, we believe that the world of eventing is only getting
stronger.”
Source: Parlare PR for Adelaide Equestrian Festival / edited by Equestrian Life
