BEN Hall is no stranger to the campdrafting community, but Muttaburra man has another trophy to add to his collection after taking out the Champion of Champions at Paradise Lagoons this year.
Mr Hall, Bibil, Muttaburra, runs Brahmans and breeds his own horses around contract mustering, but said last weekend was all about Paradise.
“It's been a big weekend, it's been a lot more relaxed not having the big numbers here, but it's still been a big weekend and a good lineup of competitors,” he said.
“It's been tough going with the dry getting numbers and cattle numbers, but the cattle have been great.”
To quality to compete in the Champion of Champions, Mr Hall won the restricted open.
Riding Eltorrio, a home-bred mare, was even more special.
”She's been going really good for us,” Mr Hall said.
Earlier this year Mr Hall was named the ACA Open Rider of the Year in Clermont, and his performance at Paradise, culminating with the 90.5 point win in the champion round, proved his worth of the title.
Mr Hall said while Paradise is usually a family affair with his wife Jaye and children Madison, 11, and Wyatt, nine, this year saw the kids left behind.
”Wyatt is at home and Madison has gone to Canberra on school camp - she's not very happy about it either, she's a bit cold,” he said.
The family have been coming to the annual event since it began.
“We missed last year with everything going on, but it's always good to come and compete against the best riders in Australia - and to win is even better,” he said.
Kelly Butterworth
Rockhampton-based journalist covering all things ag.
Rockhampton-based journalist covering all things ag.
