MORE than 250 competitors from across Australia will unite for the Chinchilla Grandfather Clock Campdraft from Wednesday, October 16 to Saturday, October 19 to vie for more than $120,000 in prize money, $30,000 worth of trophies, and for a chance to make their name at one of the "big three" events on the campdrafting calendar.
Chinchilla A&P Association Campdraft committee secretary Jackie Jewell said the event also provides competitors with a shot at winning the prestigious Triple Crown of campdrafting, with a maximum payout of $30,000 available.
"To claim the Triple Crown the same horse and rider must win all three open drafts at Condamine Bell, Chinchilla and Warwick in the same year," Jackie said.
"For many of our competitors this is their annual holiday. They take two to three weeks away from their properties to attend the big three," she said.
The draft will commence early on Wednesday morning with the first round of the Knudsen Family Restricted Open Draft, this will be followed by the first rounds of the EnVision Partners Novice and the Ainsworth New Holland Open draft over the next couple of days, with the first round of the Sandon Glenoch Angus Grandfather Clock Ladies Draft on the Friday afternoon.
Jackie said on the Friday, every time a competitor completes the course and puts their beast through the gate, draft sponsor Kellco Livestock Agents will donate $10 to the RUOK? Suicide prevention charity.
"The committee hope to create more awareness around suicide, we're encouraging everyone to wear yellow on the day, and to ask the question to their family and mates 'are you ok?'".
Friday evening sees the return this year of the ever-popular "NTC" Bareback Cut-out, followed by Toowoomba band "Preserve the Moose" playing at the bar.
"During the night competitors and spectators can let their hair down and enjoy a hot meal, a drink at the bar and dance the night away."
From midday on Saturday events will conclude with the finals taking place for the Maiden/Novice Rider and Horse Final, Restricted Open Draft, Novice Draft, Ladies Draft, and the Grandfather Clock Open Draft, with presentations to follow after.
"At the conclusion of the finals on Saturday evening, we'll be providing the competitors with a complimentary dinner. We hope everyone will stay on and relax, enjoy a few drinks and a hot meal."
Jackie said due to the relentless drought, sourcing cattle has proven to be a difficult task again this year, and the committee are extremely grateful for the generosity of graziers and feedlots in the district.
"The committee would like to thank Ken and Jackie Knudsen, Col and Marcia Davis, the Fitzgerald family, Anthony and Leisa and Chris and Emma Dolbel, Roger and Tam Boshammer, Murray and Sue Geldard, Roxborough Feedlot, Simon and Kylie Drury, Condabri Feedlot, Nutramix Stockfeeds, Wychie Farming, and Fucheng Woodlands for the use of their cattle this year.
"We'd also like to thank all the businesses that sponsor and support the event through the tough seasons and the good. Here's hoping we receive some rain soon."
- Please call 0459 020 118, email secretary@chinchillacampdraft.com.au and visit the event website for further information