Above: Amelia Douglass and Quel Filou 16 at the 2025 GDP Classic. Photo Credit: One Eyed Frog Photography.

Quel Filou 16 (Quiwi Dream x Lerano 2) arrived on the Australian Jumping scene in March 2023 and since then this 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding has certainly made a name for himself on the circuit.

Amelia Douglass recounts the serendipitous way she came across Quel Filou 16, known around the stable as ‘Phil’, at the Oliva Tour in Spain. “It was a ‘right time, right place’ kind of story,” she explains. Amelia was there with her previous World Cup mare, Upper Class Z, while searching for two 6-year-olds to develop into Grand Prix horses. Little did she know that she would meet a horse that would capture her heart.

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Despite not being in the market for herself, Amelia felt an immediate connection when she saw Phil being tried for a client. She recalls sitting in the grandstand with her mum Alex and thinking, “this is my dream horse”.  The following day, after the client chose another horse, Amelia’s mum, as excited about Phil as Amelia was, had worked out a way to purchase the horse, a significant moment for them both.

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Phil is known for his spirited character, which is aptly reflected in his name—translating to “What a Rascal.” According to Amelia, he is playful and lively, with a penchant for seeking attention. “He loves life, and he loves people,” she describes. While he may have a mischievous side, often expressing his opinions with a playful bite or tantrum, his charm and exuberance make him a beloved character in the stables.

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Amelia’s first competition with Phil was at Larapinta in 2023 after his arrival to Australia in March. The adjustment period was a little bit challenging, with Phil showing his cheeky side as he settled into his new environment. Amelia took a cautious approach, keeping things simple and allowing Phil to adapt. Their partnership quickly blossomed, and Amelia recalls a standout moment at Aus Champs later that year, where he delivered a clear round in each class, leaving her feeling competitive at the Senior level for the first time.

Above: Amelia Douglass and Quel Filou 16 in the Senior Title class of the 2023 Australian Jumping Championships.

As their journey continued, Phil’s performance only improved, culminating in a memorable performance in Doha. Amelia says “I honestly got to Doha, and I had no expectations, which I think was good to start with. I was still learning with him.” Amelia then had a surprise when Amber (Fuller) said to me “you’re going to jump in the 5* next week.” Amelia said “we had built up nicely having jumped some 1.45m, 3* classes, and it was going well. We just had an unlucky rail here and there. We jumped double clear in the 5* in a 1.50m class and ran fourth and I was thinking OMG – this horse!” “I honestly think he knows when it’s the big day.”

Looking ahead, Amelia has set her sights on the World Cup season in Australia, aiming to obtain her MER (Minimum Eligibility Requirement) in Australia to put them running for the upcoming World Championships. She believes that their partnership has the potential to reach new heights, stating, “Every time I step up, he answers the questions. I trust him with everything.”

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With Phil’s impressive pedigree, vibrant personality, and Amelia’s dedication, the duo is poised for a bright future in Jumping. As they continue to navigate the challenges of the sport, one thing is clear: with a horse like Phil, the journey is sure to be filled with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable moments.