Crowds swarm to Victoria Park for the Adelaide Equestrian Festival Finale

The final day of competition saw the final discipline – Show Jumping – take over the Gillian Rolton Main Arena with riders determined to secure their place come presentation time. The highly contested Oceania Championships was also on the line as Australia and New Zealand battled it out for the last day to see who would reign supreme for 2026.

The Heritage Grand Stand, Adelaide Suite and K1 Cellar Door seating quickly filled up with onlookers eager to see the competition commence as the Racing SA CCI3*-L riders took to the Main Arena.  

First place was secured by Australian young rider Tahlia Pursell and ASTRO NZPH on 31.2 following extremely tight competition in the final phase of Show Jumping.  

Lamoza Velisha on OPHELIE VAN PRINSEVELD finished in second place on 32.2 while Olivia Shore on DREAMCATCHER finished in third on 33.4.

The Oceania Championship Young Riders Team was awarded to Australia.

The Horseland CCI4*-S followed with a stellar line-up of riders who delivered a solid midday session.

Fan favourite Jess Somerfield took out the win with APH NEW SENSATION on 43.1 with Sophia Hill and TULARA BALTANGO just falling short on 43.3. Andrew Cooper and OCEAN EIGHT secured third place on 44.6 to round out the 2026 4* competition.

The Oceania Championship Senior Teams was awarded to Australia Team Gold (Sophia Hill, Sam Jeffree and Hannah Klep) on 136 points.

Leading into the Adelaide International CCI5*, Olympian Amanda Ross hosted an interactive Public Course Walk with spectators able to wander the Main Arena and get up close and personal with the unique series of Jumps that the riders face when competing. Anticipation was high for the afternoon session which saw 10 Adelaide International CCI5* riders compete against one another in a tense class of Jumping following excellent Cross Country Day results.

22-Year-Old Oliver Barrett delivered a stunning clear round on homebred SANDHILLS BRIAR which saw the Australian take out first place and his first ever 5 Star.

“I can’t really explain what I’m feeling right now, there’s a whole lot of emotion and I just couldn’t be prouder of this horse – he’s a champion,” Oliver said.

“It’s been amazing to produce this horse to this level and I’m just so fortunate that it came off this week.” Sam Woods (AUS) received second place with SS EIGHT COUNT while Andrew Cooper (AUS) and SHARVALLEY THUNDER took out third place.

The Racing SA CCI*3-L Results:

First Place: Tahlia Pursell, ASTRO NZPH, 31.2 Second Place: Lamoza Velisha, OPHELIE VAN PRINSVELD, 32.2Third Place: Olivia Shore, DREAMCATCHER, 33.4 Oceania Championship U25 Teams: Australia

Horseland CCI4*-S Results:

First Place: Jess Somerfield, APH NEW SENSATION, 43.1 Second Place: Sophia Hill, TULARA BALTANGO, 43.3 Third Place: Andrew Cooper, OCEAN EIGHT, 44.6 Oceania Championship Senior Teams: Australia

Adelaide International CCI5* Results:

First Place: Oliver Barrett, SANDHILLS BRIAR on 35.3 Second Place: Sam Woods, SS EIGHT COUNT on 37.6 Third Place: Andrew Cooper, SHARVALLEY THUNDER on 39.9

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chair Greg Rolton said the 2026 Program had been extremely well received by riders, loyal sponsors and volunteers, spectators, market and hospitality vendors.

“The immaculate weather conditions, attendance for the Adelaide Equestrian Festival alongside the Oceania Championships and world-class performances from our athletes surpassed our expectations and has seen us secure a record-breaking crowd of more than 40,000 people.”

“It’s been a pleasure to witness this International event take place in the heart of the Adelaide CBD with engaged spectators – young and old – and riders delivering first-class eventing across the three disciplines.”

“We want to say thank you to everyone that attended the Festival over the four days. We couldn’t have asked for a better crowd. We also say thank you to those who have joined us from afar through our broadcast channels. Being able to showcase Adelaide on a global stage is a privilege for us all.”