What's different about Gamblers' Day 2025?

You may have noticed that the program this year is a bit different from previous years. The biggest change is the change from Cross Country to Derby format. So what’s different about a Derby?

Note that this is only an explanation of the rules that is not exhaustive and is no substitute for the rules. The decision of the Officials is final, any protests must be launched through the process designated in the program.

A Derby is run under PCQ Showjumping rules - It’s a very long Showjumping course comprised of at least 50% Cross Country obstacles, so there are a few things that will be judged differently:

• Disobediences are judged according to Showjumping rules (PCQ Showjumping Rulebook, Art. 219-223)
• If you have a disobedience at any element of an open combination you must re-attempt the entire obstacle (refusal at B, re-attempt A). The exception is closed combinations which will be marked on the course plan (PCQ Showjumping Rulebook, Art. 214)
• There will be a start line, you will need to see the Judge to commence the round (As in a regular Showjumping round)

Some other changes and clarifications:

• In the Showjumping phase rails are now penalised by 15 points instead of 5 (Jumping and knocking a higher fence will make you worse off than if you jumped the one below clear).
• In the Derby phase both elements of a Combination must be jumped at the same level, otherwise no points may be rewarded or it may be penalised as a disobedience.
• In the Derby phase if multiple levels share a fence but other levels have it as an element of the combination, a failed attempt at the combination will count as a disobedience with no points credited.
• In the Derby phase the points for each level of fence has been increased by 10, and we introduce Purple fences for 10 points. These fences are still 60cm however are easier alternatives to what you might find on our 60cm Cross Country course next year.