Day 3 wrap up for the 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival

Clear skies and perfect course conditions set the scene for Day 3 of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival – RB Sellars Cross Country Day. Riders across 3, 4 and 5* eagerly awaited their turn to tackle the course which was designed to challenge riders with a unique series of jumps and obstacles.

The Racing SA CCl3*-L riders took to the Cross Country course first. The bar was set high in the morning session with rider Georgia Elias and SILVERWOODS AUSSIE PRIDE finishing first on 29.4 followed by Tahlia Pursell and ASTRO NZPH on 31.2 and Chloe Daun in third on PEC FAIRYTALE on 31.5.

The highly anticipated Adelaide International CCI5* commenced after the lunch break with an impressive display of power, precision and purpose. Sam Woods and SS EIGHT COUNT delivered an exhilarating performance which saw him take the lead on 33.2.

Sam Woods said: “Riding a lot of racehorses keeps you fit — and you’ve got to be pretty fit to get around that 5*.”

NZ rider Madison Seivwright and WAITANGI PINTEREST follows on 33.4 and Oliver Barrett and SANDHILLS BRIAR in third on 35.4 – a very tight contest leading into Sunday.

RB Sellars Cross Country Day finished on a high with the Horseland CCI4* riders taking to the Park Lands. As the temperature reached its peak for the day, warm conditions pushed the riders to their limits as they looked to cement a place leading into Show Jumping.

Kenya Wilson and SANDROS SALUTE MW finished in first place on 37.8, Jess Somerfield and APH NEW SENSATION in second on 39.1 and Carys McCrory and NEMISIS in third on 39.4.

Following the elite competition, Golden Guitar Winner and horseman Tom Curtain gave spectators a full two-hour showcase from his touring ‘Here’s To You’ Show. The high-energy performance had families and horse enthusiasts in awe as he seamlessly sung on horseback, hurdled goats and dogs and entertained the crowds to round off what was an incredible day 3.

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chair Greg Rolton said there was a strong turnout for RB Sellars Cross Country Day.

“RB Sellars Cross Country Day did not disappoint – spectators witnessed world-class performances from nearly 70 riders with perfect weather conditions setting the scene for the third day of competition,” Mr Rolton said.

“The atmosphere was electric as riders travelled across the Park Lands with athleticism and courage. The course design tested our riders and their horses across all three classes which resulted in some scoreboard shakeups as we head into Show Jumping tomorrow.”  

The Adelaide International CCI*5 Cross Country Results

First Place: Sam Woods, SS EIGHT COUNT, 33.2

Second Place: Madison Seivwright, WAITANGI PINTEREST, 33.4

Third Place: Oliver Barrett, SANDHILLS BRIAR, 35.4

Horseland CCI*4 Cross Country Results

First Place: Kenya Wilson, SANDROS SALUTE MW, 37.8

Second Place: Jess Somerfield, APH NEW SENSATION, 39.1

Third Place: Carys McCrory, NEMESIS, 39.4

Racing SA CCl*3 Cross Country Results 

First Place: Georgia Elias, SILVERWOODS AUSSIE PRIDE, 29.4

Second Place: Tahlia Pursell, ASTRO NZPH, 31.2

Third Place: Chloe Daun, PEC FAIRYTALE, 31.5