Gingin entertains campdraft crowd

Competitors rode in from far and wide to take their places in the fourth Cullalla Feedlot Gingin Campdraft, held last month.

The weekend was a wonderful display of horsemanship, with cattle for the event supplied by sponsor Cullalla Feedlot.

Hamptons Livestock Transport was once again on hand to move cattle to and from the event. Justin Morrissey was tireless in the driver's seat, even giving up some of his runs to ensure that other competitors had plenty of cattle to choose from.

The weather was warm and the flies friendly, and spectators were treated with fantastic shade made possible due to a grant from the local Bendigo Bank branch, which has been a long-time supporter of the campdraft's Top Cut Out event.

Bendigo Bank representative Rob Kestal provided commentary during Saturday's events and presented awards later that night.

Judge Adam Pollock, from Gunnedah in New South Wales, spent many hours in the saddle demonstrating quality judging that was well received by the WA campdraft community.

Local judge identities Sedly Gibbs, Ross Hall and Allister Butcher were on hand to provide relief, allowing Mr Pollock a break from time to time.

The event started with the Dakota Stud and Studfield Grazing co-sponsored Ladies Campdraft on Friday morning.

Gingin local and committee member Sedly Gibbs won the event on Dakota Dynisty, one of the staple mares behind the Dakota Stud success.

Next was the Looseleaf Lettuce Company Maiden Campdraft, which featured a fine line of heifers. A neat run from John Percy on Jazette secured him first place, making his journey from his home in the Mid West well worth it. John also won a service to the illustrious local Quarterhorse stallion, Smart Little Tinky.

A feature event on the Friday afternoon was the Dakota Stud Stallion Jackpot, which saw 13 fine studs vie for a prize pool of sponsorship and entry money.

Frank Angel was triumphant on Carrigan's Huckleberry, owned by Brett and Lisa Edwards. Born in the purple, Huck is a stallion by the famous Hazelwood Conman.

Saturday morning started with the Duck Cup open event, sponsored by Breakaway ASH & QH Stud, followed by the Geraldton Turf Farm-sponsored Encouragement Draft.

Todd Nancarrow, who often watches his daughter's campdraft success, won the latter event.

The WJ Greenwell Junior event was won by local Tom Gibbs on both Saturday and Sunday, pulling out a whopping 91 to secure the win on Saturday, while the RSM Bird Cameron Juvenile event was won by Jacob Walmsley on Saturday and Sam Kerr on Sunday.

Next was the Tronox-sponsored Novice A event, won in spectacular style by Guy Bennie on Little Gunman, making his long trip from Esperance all the more worthwhile.

The Saturday feature event was the Cullalla Feedlot-sponsored Dust to Diamonds restricted open event, which took some time and could have been called 'Dust to Dusk'.

Riders, wives and husbands alike, went hard vying for the coveted diamond earring valued at $1000. Frank Angel was victorious on Postscript.

On Saturday evening, the campdraft crowd was entertained by "Jerry", a former member of Santana, with his dulcet tones and amazing guitar skills.

Jerry was a drawcard for the Gingin event, even playing the guitar with his tongue.

The Gingin Scouts provided a wonderful catered meal featuring lamb supplied by campdraft president Brett Edwards.

Sunday morning had a more subdued vibe, with Steve McDowall on Yerangatup Rolly taking out the first event for the day, the GBG Rural and Glenvar Hay co-sponsored Novice B event.

The Duck Cup open final was run in spectacular style, as Paige Nancarrow followed in dad's footsteps to secure a win for the weekend.