Mallala a magic location for winter jumping classic
- Ty Manning
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
THE Mallala Showjumping Club has hosted its much-anticipated Winter Jumping Classic at the Mallala Equestrian Centre, just north of Adelaide.
The event catered for combinations of all levels, with riders from across South Australia competing in a wide range of classes – from unofficial 45cm heights to an open 135cm.
Over two action-packed days, competitors jumped unofficial classes in the John Brice Indoor Arena, while the official height classes were held outdoors on the grass surface.
Both arenas were sporting brand new sets of jumping equipment purchased as part of Tim and Michelle Clark’s recent development of the Mallala Equestrian Centre.
The venue has seen significant improvements and upgrades to its facilities, including new pod-style onsite accommodation and the rebuilding of the warm-up arenas, making it one of the state’s top-tier venues for both training and competition.
A recent addition to the Winter Classic program was the Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Cup South Australian qualifier, the State’s official entry into the national series of retrained Thoroughbred competitions.
This marked South Australia’s inaugural QOTT nomination event, held on the final day of the classic with the winners to progress to the final scheduled for January 11, 2026, on the Gold Coast.
Making the journey up from the south-east of South Australia to Queensland will be Libby Halliday, who took out this year’s honours riding her own Libadee Park Indy.
Libby is herself heavily involved in the racing industry as a full-time trainer, track rider and barrier attendant at the Mount Gambier Racing Club.
She highlighted the importance of these types of events to the showjumping community.
“This is a fantastic event to showcase off-the-track horses in their new careers and it also allows riders to demonstrate the talent these horses can have after racing,” she said.
“I was very lucky to be able to win this class, and I’m looking forward to making the trek up to the Magic Millions with Libadee Park Indy and hopefully doing South Australian proud.”
Winners from Mallala now have the opportunity to compete on a national stage, with significant prize pools on offer.
The 2026 final will feature prize money ranging from $16,000 for first place to $1000 for 20th, embedded within an overall showjumping pool exceeding $1.56 million.
Minor placings in the class went to:
Alisha Klitscher and Miss Izzy
Sarah Eilsden and Mister Rochester
Sophie Bairstow and Forbidden Dream
Katie McSporran and El Chico
Ruby Vears and Angel’s Chant
Katie Clark and Morrie Morrison
The indoor class for retired Thoroughbreds was also hotly contested. Alisha Klitscher took out a quinella with her horses You ES Marshal and Bear respectively, while Sandy Harbison and Playful Host were the third placegetters.
The junior championship was won by young gun Ruby Milway riding Michelle Clark’s Ulouve BZ, ahead of Indy Berden on MacCartney Park Sugar and Spice, with Harlow Diamond and He’s All White rounding out the top three.
Sam Seaman and Freeloader wrapped up the 135cm senior class, with Sophia Craddock and GH Emmaville Olga in second place and Tulara Collette ridden by Briony Temby in third.
The Mallala Showjumping Club will next host the South Australian Indoor Championships on September 13 and 14.
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