09/02/2026
Wishing James and Yirrkala Celeste all the best this weekend 🍀
Tonight we introduce another combination making their GDP Grand Prix debut in 2026. With an extensive list of accolades and a serious fan club, tonight we introduce a young mare making the leap into the big league. Let us introduce Yirrkala Celeste and Victorian James Harvey.
Bred by Sue Knox at Yirrkala Stud, Yirrkala Celeste or Celeste as she is known around the stables was foaled in 2016. By Christian out of Yirrkala Exclusive, Celeste carries a number of notable bloodlines including Escudo and Stakkato.
James and Bronwyn Harvey took a keen interest in Celeste and purchased her sight unseen as an unbroken two year old. Firmly a part of the Harvey family, Celeste has undergone all of her training at their base Patanga Park.
James and Celeste have had quite the journey from young horse classes to Grand Prix level. They have won classes in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland and were the Jumping with the Stars Six Year Old Champions in 2022.
James is not the only Harvey Celeste is particularly fond of. When James was out of the saddle with an injury, wife Bronwyn took the reins. At their first show together at Berwick in Victoria, Bronwyn and Celeste claimed the win - a very special day indeed!
This year, James and Celeste are jumping into the big league. “This year we would like to try and take the next step and hopefully start in a World Cup. We are just enjoying the ride on this very special horse. Celeste has several offspring born via ET and we are looking forward to producing them too!”
Let’s get to know a bit more about Celeste behind the scenes.
Celeste is extremely affectionate - “you can stand and cuddle her for hours!”. Celeste is also a bit of a busybody. “She likes to know what everyone is doing. If anyone isn’t where they are supposed to be, Celeste will tell anyone that will listen.” When you’re a busybody like Celeste, standing still can be incredibly frustrating, she always likes to be on the move and doing something!
“Celeste will literally race you to her gate when it’s time to go for a ride. She loves any treat that comes from a human, but a pocket full of Prydes BioMare is probably her favourite.” Whilst Celeste loves cuddles, treats and being the centre of attention, she does not like wind or feeling left out!
James and Celeste are proudly supported by Prydes Easifeed, EQ Saddlery, The NRG Team and Yarra Valley Veterinary Surgery. As you watch Celeste take to the arena, you will see she has been kitted out in a custom Bates Victrix Showjumping saddle, LeMieux bridle and jump boots all from EQ Saddlery!
James and Celeste, we are so excited to watch you take this next big step up! Best of luck, and we look forward to seeing you at the 2026 GDP Classic proudly brought to you by Divas Beverages!
Words: Jess Grant
