Capping off four days of competition at the Cup, Tori Stuckey riding Finch Farm was able to steal away the result from strong earlier rides by Jamie Priestley and Brett Clarke. 

The headline event provided a challenging layout with many of the 16 rider combinations coming unstuck to suffer jumping penalties, while there were also a handful of refusals adding time penalties for some unlucky pairings. 

Riding at sixth in the top-eight second round, Brett Clarke on GH Blossoms Little Brother was the first entrant to provide a double clear round, setting a target just past 58 seconds for the 1.5 metre course which was shortened for the last round sprint to the finish. 

Priestley had become the quiet favourite ahead of the main event as Australian World Cup winner Clint Beresford’s primary horse Emmaville Jitterbug was kept out of contention suffering from shin splints. 

She competed on two horses, including her 2016 winner KS Optimus, where she was able to secure second place, edging out Clarke’s time finishing the layout in 57 seconds. 

However, it was Tori who rode last on Finch Farm with the pair cleanly blitzing the course in just a fraction over 55 seconds to secure the top place in the prestigious Cup event. 

Officials congratulated the Melbourne-based rider, who is a regular at the Cup, but began her horsing career as a dressage rider. 

Beresford did compete riding one of his regular horses SL Donato, but was among the many riders who were met by go arounds and downed rails on the course. 

Other contenders included Lane Clarke on GH Tiger Lilly and Deon Williams, but both were dismissed from contention early as the opening rail brought many unstuck Monday night. 

Izabella Stone had a good outing, earning a shootout spot on both her horses Bandito and Lincoln. 

Showjumping Club president Kirsty McPaul said she was thrilled with the turnout and response to the competition. 

“It was great to see the event so well attended, but it was also fantastic to get many nice compliments from our visiting riders,” Mrs McPaul said. 

“Many said Bega was their favourite show of the year. We were blessed with a real holiday vibe and everyone was able to relax and enjoy each other’s company.”

Other major winners from the event included the Malcolm Slater Memorial overall point-score winner Jenny Smith riding Country Platinum. 

Helen and Sallie Slater were on hand to present the award.

Competition announcer Steph Davies of Canberra was the winner of the Future Stars Series.

McPaul thanked the “club members who worked tirelessly to run the show beautifully”.