Appropriately it was Burke & Wills’ Sports Club’s own president Ben Stanger who took out the Burke & Wills campdraft only final in a “top 30 shoot out” on Monday.
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With the day carrying double points for the Australian Campdraft Association awards held at the grounds that night, the event was packed with the best campdrafters in the country which made the win extra special for Stanger.
The $5000 prize money wasn’t bad for a day’s work either.
Stanger was first out of the gate of the 30 riders and the two judges gave him an average score of 91 that set the bar high – too high for the 29 riders that followed.
SEE ACTION PHOTOS FROM THE CAMPDRAFT HERE
Top gun Pete Comiskey went close posting a score of 89 and Jaye Hall managed an 88.5 but no-one could manage the course like the local.
Jess Hoffman was first out in the restricted open final and looked she would hold out after posting a combined total of 178 only for the 17th of 19 finalists Jason Philp to pip Hoffman with a total of 179.
Last rider out Alan Davidson also grabbed a 178 to finish joint second with Hoffman.
In the final round of the novice, held earlier on Monday, there were 36 riders in at the end.
Brett Hicks compiled a total of 88 to add to his earlier rounds total of 177 to get to 265 points and that was enough to seal victory.
SEE GALLERY FROM THE GALA DINNER HERE
There was a three way tie for second place on 263 points shared by Adrian Lamb, Jaye Hall and Berry Shann.
While Comiskey and Hoffman were pipped for individual honours at Burke & Wills, both were rewarded for fine seasons as the overall ACA awards were handed out at the gala dinner Monday night.
The Nebo-based Comiskey took out an incredible 22nd open title while Hoffman from Charters Towers was named champion lady rider for the 2017-2018 season.
Jaiden Hill, who grew up on a property not far from Burke & Wills stamped herself as one to watch for the future as she won the Champion Juvenile Rider award.
Champion Master Rider was Wally Rea, Champion Associate Rider was Matthew Moffat, andthe Champion novice rider award was won by Thomas Mills.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
