Hazel Shannon and WillingaPark Clifford Rewrite the History Books

For Immediate Release – Stunning Autumn conditions welcomed eager crowds for the final day of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival – the ATCO Show Jumping Day.

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.”

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 5 star 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 7 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.”

And for the ultimate event finale – 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 Willingapark Clifford that reigned supreme with 45.9. Hazel and Willingapark Clifford are the only combination to win the Adelaide 5-Star event four times – 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2025 – a significant and historical feat for the duo.

Shane Rose and The Bandit finished in second place with 48.3 and Samuel Jeffree on Wimborne Conjuror finished in third place with 50.4.

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.”

Adelaide International CCI5* Results:

First Place: Hazel Shannon and WILLINGAPARK CLIFFORD (AUS) 45.9 

Second Place: Shane Rose and THE BANDIT (AUS) 48.3

Third Place: Samuel Jeffree and WIMBORNE CONJUROR (AUS) 50.4

Horseland CCI4*-S Results:

First Place: Shane Rose and EASY TURN (AUS) 36.7

Second Place: Sophia Hill and TULARA BALTANGO (AUS) 44.7 

Third Place: Hannah Klep and TULARA CHICOUVE (AUS) 46.9 

The Racing SA CCI*3-L Results:

First Place: Oliver Barrett and SANDHILLS BRIAR (AUS) 29.7

Second Place: Emily Gray and LEGAL CHASE (AUS) 32.4

Third Place: Hannah Deegan and HK HAWTHORN (AUS) 32.8

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 4 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.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Stokes

Parlare Public Relations

M: 0412 658 390