CELEBRITY guests, pastoralists, politicians and the rank and file have rubbed shoulders, partied and made their farewells after another Paradise Lagoons campdraft.
The gates closed on the 17th version of the popular event on May 5 and already corporate and public supporters are making plans to return in 2020.
But before the gates were shut and the lights went dark, Queenslanders among the thousands of onlookers absorbing the action over four days felt smug about a maroon victory in the feature State of Origin.
One Blues supporter lamented the loss, conceding Queensland "won by a street" but maintained faith by declaring they will seek revenge in 12 months.
In other key contests, Mac Shann (Kid N Glo, 269) has won the 2019 Graeme Acton Memorial Open campdraft. In a real tussle to the line, Shann just outpointed Peter Comiskey (Rodann Misdemeanor, 268) and Peter O'Neill (Flutter, 268).
The next seven competitors finished with seven points of the winner.
Additionally, Mac Shann took honors in the Open campdraft with Porter. They scored 355 points to have a commanding advantage over second placed Peter O'Neill (Sue, 289), while third spot went to Pete Comiskey (Just Jim, 269).
Judge Peter Black called the shots on the Stallion campdraft and Adrian Lamb (Lambs Leroy, 182) won the day from Matthew Moffat (Beniah, 180), John Hardie (Lena's Conman, 176), Berry Shann (Chauffeur Driven, 176).
The Novice campdraft finished in a cliffhanger with Mark Buttsworth (Playing Harmonica, 269) just pipping Mac Shann (Bella, 268) and John Mulcahy (Stratton Gest Rosie, 265).
The $20,000 Judy Camm Supergirl Spectacular campdraft, sponsored by IOR Petroleum, was won by Pete Comiskey on Brittany. They amassed a staggering 268 points, yet had only a solitary point margin over the runner-up Shari Knudsen (Bella Mia, 267).
William Tapp (Spotless, 180) came in third, ahead of Mat Durkin (Metallic Moon, 178).
At the end of some stiff competition in the Futurity, judge Jason Philip gave victory to Mark Butterworth on One Stylish Madonna with a tally of 180 points. The minor placings went to Berry Shann (Smith Family Marky Mark, 175pts) and Scott Schoo (Telescopic, 173).
The Ladies Draft sponsored by Wilangi Brahmans/NAB and with Holly Dawson adjudicating, attracted a colossal starting line-up. In the end Rachel Abbott and Pandora prevailed, scoring 183 points to eclipse Josie Angus (Posh Kitten, 183), Susan Symes (Frosty Bank, 180) and Susan Salmond (Lestree Le Docteur, 179) as this quartet filled the top four spots.
In the Juvenile Draft, sponsored by Wyena Grazing and judged by Billy-Joe Rea, Hayley Knudsen (Donald, 178 points) triumphed over Tahlia Fenlon (The Expensive Acres, 173pts) and Michael Allgood (Billy Bob, 171pts).
