Dutton Returns to Challenge the Leaderboard at TerraNova

The competition has already delivered plenty of drama across its first two legs, with US compatriots Sara Kozumplik and Emily Mastervich Beshear currently tied atop the series leaderboard at 40 points each.  Beshear claimed victory in the series opener at Morven Park with Rio de Janeiro, and Kozumplik's took the top spot at Bouckaert International with Rock Phantom.

Closely behind the co-leaders are Ema Klugman and in-form Christina Henriksen, both sitting in 3rd place with 35 points after strong outings at the previous qualifiers. Arden Wildasin and Janelle Fleming round out the top 5 on 30 points each.

TerraNova’s Strong Field Led by Dutton's Duo

We are already seeing the impact of the series on the rider’s planning - Kozumplik confirmed she would return with Rocky to TerraNova, despite this competition not being in their original schedule. EquiRatings’ analysts expect it is going to take a season points total of 200+ for series prizemoney and the benefit of these early points proved a key part in her decision.

Much like at Bouckaert , if she is going to take the points, she is going to face a big challenge from Olympic veteran Phillip Dutton. In the last leg, Phillip led going into the final phase before an unfortunate elimination on cross-country due to a missed jump.  He has two horses entered this time. 13 year old Quasi Cool – who started the CCI5* at Kentucky this year (33.8 dressage) and who has CCI4* short and long wins to his name and Azure – a horse that came from Ireland’s Esib Power and who also has CCI5* experience (15^th place finish at Kentucky this year) and CCI4*L win (Bromont 2023).

Just like last time out, Pre-competition predictions make him favourite for the win. Quasi Cool, who leads the prediction centre with a 34% chance of victory and Azure, carrying 27% win chance. He would collect points for both horses and with a string that also contains Jewelent, Possante and Denim all at this level, he is one of the riders best equipped to challenge the overall series – but he can’t let opportunities like this one slip by. He might well lead the series after this weekend and he will aim to stay there if he does.

The rider that can stop him is Sara Kozumplik. She has 40 points on the board already and a win here would guarantee her top-spot at the turn of the year. The in-form Rock Phantom enters with 23% win chance. Expect them to start around the 30 mark, good chance of a clear in the show jumping and then it will come down to a time test.

The Challengers

Sweden’s Jennie Jarnstrom, who currently sits 11th in the series standings with 15 points after a solid sixth-place finish at Bouckaert International, brings two horses to TerraNova - Flower Girl, who sits with a 5% win chance and a 25% chance of a podium finish, as well as Splash Dance rated with a 3% win chance and 19% podium chance. If she can land points with both she will likely sit in Series top 5 after the weekend.  

Hayden Wathen (USA) and Contestor enter the event with a 5% win chance despite having never competed at the level before. They had a good run and a podium finish at Tryon in September at CCI3*-S level. Another combination to watch is Andrew Robin Walker and SBT Barolo, who are returning to this level of the sport after a season primarily at 3* level after some time off. This pair have top 10 finishes at CCI4*S and CCI4*L level before that break so this weekend is a milestone comeback regardless of the result. EquiRatings make them a 19% podium chance. Rounding out the field are strong combinations including Briggs Surratt and Corture, Matthew Ulmer aboard Wellview Mister Lux, and Chris Newton riding Noble Discovery - all proven performers capable of breaking into the points.

Series Implications and Future Impact

This qualifier holds particular significance as athletes begin planning their 2025 campaigns. With the series culminating at Morven Park in October 2025, the results at TerraNova will influence how competitors will structure their upcoming season's schedule.

"The introduction of this series has already begun reshaping how top riders approach their competition calendar" said Annie Bishop. "We're seeing strategic decisions being made specifically around these qualifiers, which is exactly what we hoped would happen."

We will be tuning in to follow live scores in the class as they unfold.

Looking Ahead

The series format, rewarding both participation and performance across multiple qualifiers, has already demonstrated its ability to attract top talent and create compelling narratives throughout the season. It has provided an incredible platform for new competitors to emerge and make their mark. We've already seen an exciting array of new talent showcasing their skills and potential in this dynamic new competition.

Follow all the action as it unfolds at TerraNova 4*- S through our live results and leaderboard. For deeper insights into this competitive field check out our comprehensive fan guide.

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