Sophia Hill and Tulara Baltango Triumph in the Pryde’s EasiFeed CCI4-L at Melbourne International 3DE

The Pryde’s EasiFeed CCI4*-L, the headline act at this year’s Melbourne International 3 Day Event, delivered a captivating three days of top-level Eventing, from dressage to a testing cross country and a nail-biting jumping finale. In the end, it was Sophia Hill and Tulara Baltango who rose to the top, delivering a consistent and composed performance across all three phases to take the win on a final score of 42.4.

“It’s a relief more than anything,” Sophia said after her win. “I’m so happy with my horse and how he went in all the phases. It’s a little bit of redemption after what happened at Adelaide. I’m stoked. And winning on a Tulara horse this year makes it even more special. I was very close with Mark Fraser, and I know he’d be so proud.”

The event began under cool skies on Saturday, but the competition was heating up early. NSW’s Olivia Shore and the off-the-track thoroughbred Dreamcatcher wowed the judges with a flowing test, taking the lead with a score of 30.1. Sam Woods (NSW) and SS Eight Count followed closely on 33.3, with Hannah Klep (NSW) and Tulara Chicouve hot on their heels with 33.9. Olympian Shane Rose and Holy Moses slotted into fourth on 34.4, leaving less than five penalties separating the top four combinations heading into cross country day.

Cross country day proved to be a true test, with a challenging course that rewarded boldness and accuracy. It was Sophia Hill and Tulara Baltango who made the biggest move, jumping from seventh after dressage to the lead after a flawless clear round inside the time – holding their dressage score of 38.4 overnight.

Hannah Klep and Tulara Chicouve stayed strong with just six penalties added to their score, putting them second on 39.9, while Shane Rose and Holy Moses were right behind on 40.4 after also adding six time penalties. Kenya Wilson and Sandros Salute MW impressed for WA, finishing the day in fourth with a total of 41.0 after 5.6 time penalties. Sam Woods and SS Eight Count slipped to fifth after 12 penalties left them on 45.3.

With less than a rail separating the top three, the stage was set for a thrilling final day.

The jumping phase on Monday afternoon did not disappoint. With the pressure on, Sophia and Tulara Baltango delivered a composed and precise round to seal the win – a performance that clearly meant a great deal.

In second was Shane Rose and Holy Moses (44.4), while Hannah Klep and Tulara Chicouve rounded out the podium on 47.9, capping a brilliant weekend for the Tulara team, with two of their horses finishing in the top three.

Full results at: https://eventsecretary.com.au/live/20535/results