IMPROVED yard facilities, fine weather and a picturesque location combined to produce a stunning Mary Valley Campdraft from September 26 to 28.
Campdraft secretary Lyndall Ensbey said it was pleasing to see the annual draft in its sixth year after some 20 years without a draft in the district. "Appreciation goes out to a committed band of volunteer workers, local cattle donors and livestock transport operators and
of course our enthusiastic competitors, travelling from as far away as Bauhinia. We also appreciate our judges for the weekend - Gary Ferriday, Wayne Weber and Max Lucht," she said.
On Friday the draft started with the maiden. Jubilant local identity Damien Jessup of Kenilworth riding Diamond Nell was first with a big 91. Remarkably, Jessup won the highest cut out with his mare on a 23.
The novice draft attracted some 240 competitors and Kingaroy's Mark Buttsworth riding Double Suzie won the final ahead of Lindy Edwards on Roman Sun.
Spectators were in awe as Jon Templeton on Nanda Southern Cross won the cut out following a run-off with Peter Gesler's Seligman's Blondie and Romeo's Destiny, Mark Buttsworth's Fevers Request and Jon's Royal Double Time.
This year's encouragement draft was won by Hivesville's Joanna Anderson on Acres to AT. Wendy Ward from Wandoan won the highest cut out on Kootchoo after a run off with Maree Duncombe on Peppi. Lynville's Kate Hurley on Brownie won the juvenile draft.
Dean Radke of Wondai won the cut out on Sparkles. The junior draft captured the crowd especially when Todd Myers on Bella won with a big 91, followed closely with an 88 from Adam Carr on Zoey. Glastonbury competitor Sharni Edwards returned again this year to win the cut out on Barley.
Kingaroy rider Jon Templeton on Marnies Ace won the Darren Groves Engineering restricted open draft, scoring a 90. Peter Gesler and Possum Sue won the cut out trophy.
Mark Buttsworth dominated the Merv Ensbey Memorial open draft, placing first on Docs Recoil, and third on Double Suzie. Peter Lamont nudged into 2nd place on Cherry Oak. Gympie Feed Barn's cut out trophy went to Peter Lamont on Playin Harmonica with a 23.
