James Harvey riding Yirrkala Celeste secured victory in the Victorian Senior Country Title with a clear jump-off round. The event at Shirley Heights featured a challenging 1.40m course that saw only three riders advance. Harvey's performance marked a convincing win by nearly 11 seconds.
The Victorian Country State Jumping Titles, aimed at providing accessible competition for regional riders, concluded with standout performances in various classes. The highlight was the JAREE Excavations-sponsored Victorian Senior Country Title at 1.40m, where a demanding course limited clear rounds to just three combinations, leading to a jump-off.
James Harvey, aboard the ten-year-old Yirrkala Celeste—a mare by Christian out of Escudo—delivered the sole clear effort in the jump-off, clocking 50.75 seconds for a margin of almost 11 seconds over the field. Harvey had developed Celeste from an unbroken two-year-old, having purchased her sight unseen. This success underscores the growth of the partnership in competitive jumping.
Finishing second was Anthony March with Desert Sands Arkos, a horse by Arko III out of Regal Salute, on eight penalties. Third place went to Bronwyn Shortt riding Desert Sands Calavino, by Canavaro, with 14 penalties.
Other notable results from the titles included Tori Stuckey and Jaybee Ballon D’or winning the ECO Animal Bedding Riders Choice Open at 1.30m/1.40m, and Pat Holian with Kendalee Centauruss SHL taking the Yarra Valley Veterinary Surgery Open at 1.25m. Lower-height classes saw victories by riders such as Rhys Hamlyn on Finch Farm Carlton in the 1.20m, and Sienna Holdsworth-Rose with Heartline NZ in the 1.15m and 1.10m opens.
Participants now look ahead to the Victorian Jumping State Titles, scheduled for April 24-26 at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre. Full results are available via Equipe.
