THE countdown is on for one of the greatest performance horse events in Australia – the legendary Curley Cattle Transport Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge.
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The event will be held at the Cloncurry Equestrian Centre from Wednesday, July 8 to Sunday, July 12.
This year, the program will be bigger and better than ever, with an extra day of competition, full rodeo program on Saturday, live entertainment by country rock duo Pop Standen and Dave Hoffmann with Phil Emmanuel joining them on the Saturday night, plus trade stalls for horse lovers and bush folk alike. This year, the Curley Cattle Transport Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge will welcome the Emirates Melbourne Cup on the Saturday, and it will be available for people to view and photograph from 9.30am until 11.30am.
Curley Cattle Transport Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft president James Coates said the competition was considered one of the best of its kind in the country.
“The Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge promises to be a thrilling five days of competition, Aussie horsemanship and talent,” Mr Coates said.
“For the past 32 years, the event has continued to deliver in ratings, attracting the biggest names in the horse world from right across the country.
“This year there’s even more on offer, including the exhibition of the Emirates Melbourne Cup and the return of the Saunders Family Rodeo.
“As part of the Emirates Melbourne Cup tour, community members also have a chance to win a trip for two to Flemington to witness the excitement and thrill of the Emirates Melbourne Cup.
“The Curley Cattle Transport Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft will also be the final of the 2015 Stockman’s Challenge Classic Premiership, which is held over the five major challenges in the state – Star of the Highlands, Rocky Rush, Horse of the North, Monto Silver Buckle and the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge. This series is for horses aged younger than five, and is hotly contended each year.
“On the current leaderboard of this premiership is Jon Templeton, who will be hoping to keep his title in a grand final round at Cloncurry. We will announce the winner and four placegetters at the final presentations.”
Leading up to the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft, the committee hosted a Novice Campdraft on June 14 in preparation for the Curley Cattle Transport Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge. The McMillan Pastoral Novice Draft was won by Brett Hick on Snow.
“Following the success of the Novice Draft a week ago, we can expect strong nominations and a big crowd to the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge this year. We are looking forward to a great weekend of horsemanship and country atmosphere,” Mr Coates said.
The 2014 winner of the prestigious Ernest Henry Mining Stockman’s Challenge, Jon Templeton of Kingaroy, said the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge was a highlight on any competitor’s calendar and he was still elated from last year’s win.
“To win the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge was a real thrill that lasts to this day,” he said. “I love the history and prestige of the event. The icing on the cake for me was to win the open challenge on my own stallion ‘Marnies Ace’.
“I will be back this year, challenging three horses and drafting numerous others.’’
For more information, visit www.currychallenge.com.au.
People can upload their photos with the Melbourne Cup to the Peoples’ Cup section of the Flemington Facebook page (facebook.com/flemingtonracecourse) with the #PeoplesCup and #EmiratesMelbourneCup hashtags.
Each town will have a winner judged by the EMCT delegation, with that winner eligible for the grand prize.
