The GDP Classic has become an essential stop on the Australian show jumping circuit, drawing top riders to Boneo Park on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula for four fantastic days of jumping. Now in its fifth year, the event that was established by Glenwood Park, Denison Park, and Premier Floats continues to grow, culminating each year to the Martin Collins Australia Grand Prix with a $20,000 winners cheque.
Gavin Chester’s first-round course proved influential, with rails falling throughout the field. Only Robert Palm with Jaybee Vibrant and Amber Fuller aboard Cadenza NZPH completed the course without penalty, securing a strong position heading into the second round. Amelia Douglass and Quel Filou 16 was poised to join them but finished just 0.02 seconds outside the time allowed, adding a single time penalty to her score.
The second round saw early pressure applied by Billy Raymont and Caprino, who improved on their first-round performance by producing a clear jump-off round. Jamie Winning-Kermond and Tulara WAT Colblensky then edged ahead, delivering another faultless effort and moving to the top of the leaderboard with four penalties carried forward. Josh Collins and Cornel followed with a strong challenge but ultimately fell short of the leading time.
With only three combinations left to ride, the competition intensified. Amelia Douglass and Quel Filou 16 once again produced a clean jumping round, but a second time penalty left her with a final total of two faults—just outside contention for the win.
Fresh from last weekend’s Sale World Cup Qualifier victory, Robert Palm and Jaybee Vibrant entered the arena with momentum on their side. A faultless 60.52-second round secured their second major victory in as many weeks, moving them to the top of the leaderboard and leaving Amber Fuller and Cadenza NZPH as the only remaining challengers. However, a tough final round ended their chances, confirming Rob and Jaybee Vibrant as the 2025 Martin Collins Australia GDP Grand Prix Champions.
Palm’s success marks a triumphant return following time away from competition due to injury. Reflecting on his win, he credited his wife, Cassie, for her support:
“She should be the one standing up here today. I would not be here without her. She has been an enormous support to me and this horse, and I am so grateful for her.”
You can watch the event replay anytime on Clip My Horse TV.
