ENTERING a led steer in the Royal Queensland Show has turned into a $25,000 lottery win for Clifton’s Shaun Daley and Julia Simmons.
In what was his first time entering the Royal Queensland Show’s led steer and carcass competition, contract fencer Mr Daley did what many competitors have tried for years to achieve.
The 28-year-old purchased a weaner steer from Angus breeder Julia Simmons and together tried their luck in the renowned competition, which attracts more than 300 steers and heifers.
Not only did their 538kg Limousin Angus cross steer claim the heavy weight and grand champion titles on the hoof, he placed third on the hook and was named the overall steer jackpot winner across both hoof and hook.
Based on their competition and auction success, the winning steer brought his lucky owners at least $25,881.50 in cash and prizes.
The grand champion steer, one of four they entered, went on to dress 58 per cent with P8 and rib fat depths of eight respectively, a 62.15 per cent meat yield and 106cm sq EMA.
He was put onto feed for 110 days and fitted by Stephen Hayward, which Mr Daley credit as the secret to their success.
“He has done a great job preparing it,” he said.
“I’ve been flat out busy fencing.”
Much to Mr Hayward’s surprise, the steer rose straight to the top title.
“I didn’t think we could win it,” he said.
“I thought it we got in the top 10 with them you are going good.”
Mr Daley was building an exclusion fence at Dirranbandi when the hoof accolade was handed out but returned to accept his steer’s prizes on Saturday.
If Ms Simmons has anything to do with their steer partnerships it seems they will be back for more Ekka success.
“Julia is pretty impressed so she will probably be back again I suppose,” Mr Daley said.
“She will take some convincing out of it so I’d say you will see us again.”