By Jessie Smith.

Everything is set for an action-packed weekend of Jumping at the GDP Classic, which is taking place at Boneo Park on the Mornington Peninsula. With top riders from across the country preparing to compete, anticipation is building for what promises to be a fantastic event. In the lead-up to the competition, we had the opportunity to catch up with a handful of riders to hear their thoughts on the event and what makes GDP such a standout on the equestrian calendar.

Advertisement

We stole a moment for a quick chat with one of the busy organisers, Angela Dobbin.

Riders from across Australia are set to compete this year. How many rounds of jumping are scheduled over the four days across the three rings? With riders from Western Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales & Victoria. We have approximately 500 horses here for the event with around 1,500 rounds of jumping to be jumped!

GDP is now in its fifth? year, what inspired you to create this event, and what was your vision for it?

Inspired by the desire to create a better experience for riders, the goal is to offer more affordable entry fees and increase prize money, making the event more accessible for everyone. As a not-for-profit initiative, any funds generated will be reinvested into the event to boost future prize money and enhance the competition. When we devised the GDP concept a few years ago we had a vision to put on one of the best events in the country that in turn attracted the very best horse and rider combinations. Attract the best horses and riders it has!

Advertisement

What is the origin of the name ‘GDP’? The name GDP comes from the backbone committee members.

G= Glenwood Park (Brook & Angela Dobbin)
D= Denison Park (Andrew & Ally Lamb)
P= Premier Floats (Brett & Brooke Hickey)

What has been the most rewarding aspect of running the GDP Classic? We consider this to be the biggest Jumping show in Australia and it’s an event that everyone wants to be a part of. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that all the hard work and effort we’ve put into organizing this event has made it something so highly anticipated and desired by riders, organisers, and spectators alike.

We are incredibly proud of the event we’ve created and can’t wait to see it continue to grow in the years ahead! It’s been an amazing journey so far, and we’re excited for what the future holds as we work to make this event even bigger and better for everyone involved.

Advertisement

Fresh off the plane from Europe, it was fantastic to catch up with Amber Fuller from the team at Chatham Park.

It’s your first official show back in Australia. What has made you choose the GDP Classic? It was the first show of the season, and I’m thrilled to have made it back in time for GDP after missing the last two years while in Europe. GDP is one of the best shows in Australia, and at one point, it seemed uncertain whether I’d return in time. Being here in Boneo with my exciting team of horses makes it all the more special.

Chatham Park has brought down a team of nine horses. Amber has the ride on four lovely horses; Cadenza NZPH, Balian D’N Hop Z, Bickleys Leviosa & CP Cataprilla.

As you’ve just come back from Europe – how do you find the GDP Classic compares to the international stage?  There is a lot of similarities to the shows in Europe, and it’s clear that Boneo has a lot to offer. The facilities here are top class, with great stabling and a fantastic Martin Collins Surface’s at the venue. The prize money on offer is incredible, making it a highly sought-after event for riders. On top of that, the show is managed by an incredibly dedicated and hardworking organizing committee. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a prestigious event right here in Australia. It’s a testament to the level of equestrian sport that continues to grow and thrive in this country.

Advertisement

We caught up with Clem Smith, who’s made the trip down from Queensland to Boneo Park for the GDP Classic.

Attending the GDP Classic for the second time, what has been your drawcard to come back down all the way from Queensland? With the outstanding facilities and the incredible Martin Collins Surfaces at Boneo Park, the event is able to go on no matter what weather conditions Victoria throws at us! Of course, the prize money is another huge drawcard – a big thank you to the generous support of the sponsors and organisers at GDP Classic.

Is there a particular class you have your eye set on? Definitely the Martin Collins Australia Grand Prix with my horse Oaks Conjuror. He has had a great lead up to the show with a 3^rd in the World Cup last weekend at Sale. Also looking forward to the Goodspell Park Mini Prix with Quantico 12.

What do you love about GDP? The standard of competition is second to none. We are very lucky to have a competition like this in Australia with a great venue like Boneo Park Equestrian Centre.

We were lucky enough to catch a moment with Jamie Winning-Kermond from Yandoo Park to chat about their team and what makes the GDP Classic a key event for them on their calendar.

Bringing a total of 29 horses from their property at Yandoo Park in Sydney, along with an additional 10 client horses (plus 3 ponies!) they certainly have a strong presence at the show. As for riders they have their 4 riders Jamie Kermond, Jamie Winning-Kermond, Emma Collins & Josh Collins plus 15 clients competing over the 4 days of jumping.

Advertisement

What makes you choose the GDP Classic for your horses & clients?

The GDP Classic is run by a committee of riders, making it a show that truly prioritises the interests of those competing. With the best riders in the country taking part, it’s clear that this event is one everyone wants to attend. The show is set on a fantastic surface, and the incredible prize money, backed by excellent sponsors, only adds to its appeal. It’s an event that showcases the highest level of equestrian sport, and it’s all designed with the riders in mind.

What do you love about GDP?

With some of the best horses and riders in Australia, this show represents the highest level of competition we have in the country. It’s thrilling to see such top-tier performances right here in Australia!

“Good Footing, Good Prizemoney, Good Sponsors = Good Times” – Jamie Kermond

We would like to wish everyone competing at the GDP Classic the best of luck for the competition! It is shaping up to be an incredible four days of Jumping.