35th NCHA Annual Futurity

Phil Dawson from Inverell NSW rode Dale and Kirrily Simpkins exciting stallion, Diablo Spin to score 289.5 and move into the final of the Greg Ellison and Priefert Classic Challenge.

Lyn Hamilton from Binnaway NSW and Christine and Eleanor Wilkinson from Werai NSW enjoy the latest Horse Deals during a herd change.

The main indoor section is built on three levels, ground level (field of play), main concourse and mezzanine, these three levels are accessible by stairs or a lift.

This photo shows some of the record number of trade stands at the NCHA Annual Futurity both on the main concourse and mezzanine level. There were also traders down the sides and other end of the arena and also there were twenty trade stands outside in a marque called the Traders Alley .

The main arena of the new $30,000,000 Australian Equine Livestock and Events Centre, described by one competitor as, "just awesome!".

Connected to the main arena is a perpose built sale ring, being used for the Professional Farriers Championship over the weekend.

This is the first event held at the AELEC and there are some things outside still to be completed however, it is very impressive. This photo shows one of the outdoor arenas, plus the campdrafting arenas at the rear.

Over 520 horses are stables on site in the various impressive stable blocks.

The sale ring from outside.

Some competitors are lamenting the loss of the community atmosphere in the camping grounds, as at the new venue the trucks are just parked in the ashpalt car parks, so no more sitting around the camp fires under the trees.

The stand for Peptos Stylish Oak is one of the impressive exhibits in the Stallion Showcase in Stallion Alley.

John Pokarier from Kootingal NSW rode his own Hats O Lena by Tassa Lena to score 280 in the Greg Ellison and Priefert Classic Challenge but unfortunately missed the final cut.

Jonathan Dudley from Kalbar Qld. rode M and L Scantlebury's Short N Fancy to score 283.5 in the go-rounds of the Greg Ellison and Priefert Classic Challenge and just miss the final.

James Vickery from Tamworth NSW rode Chiquita lena in the NYCHA and PCA Limited Non Pro Futurity to score 137 and place equal fifth.

Todd Graham, NCHA's highest money earner with life time earnings of over $1,000,000, rode Bunyarra Park's, One Moore Playgirl in the Greg Ellison and Priefert Classic Challengeto score 292 to more into the final.

Richard Prew rode the 2005 Futurity winner, Darcy Twohill's Gidgee Coals to score 288 in the go-rounds of the Greg Ellison and Priefert Classic Challenge to more into the final.

Phil Dawson rode Lenore Holborow-Harvey's Dream Chaser to move into the final of the Greg Ellison and Priefert Classic Challenge with a score of 292.

Maree King from Victoria rode Junior High by High Brows Doctor to second place in the NYCHA and PCA Limited Non Pro Futurity with a score of 143.5 for second place..

Phil Dawson rode Peter Trinkke's imported stud, Reyn Storm to move into the final of the Greg Ellison and Priefert Classic Challenge with a score of 293.5.

Laurie Brown from Katherine in the Northern Terrority rode Denny.s Duell Pep to score 134 in the final of NYCHA and PCA Limited Non Pro Futurity.

The first bull ride was held on Friday night with a packed house at the new venue. The rodeo chutes are a feature of this complex which also has a number of yards and lane ways for moving cattle.

The Cutters Bar, a cafe and a number of food out lets were popular with spectators and riders.

2008 Non Pro Hall of Fame inductee, Richard Bull, rode Sandi Twohill's, Little Lena's Gem by Tassa Lena to equal eight place in the Buffalo Ranch Non Pro Futurity with a score of 137.

Raelene Higgins rode her homebred Give Em Hell to equal fifth in the Buffalo Ranch Non Pro Futurity Final scoring 140. Give Em Hell is out of the 2008 Horse Hall of Fame inductee, One Hellofa Spin who is the highest money earning horse in Australia with career earnings of $69,250 and 5 cents. One Hellofa Spin is the only horse to win the Triple Crown (winner of the Open Futurity, then the Derby followed by the Classic) and then come back in her fourth year to win the Classic Challenge again.

Cameron Parker from Rockhampton Qld, rode Destiny's Diamonds to third place in the NYCHA and PCA Limited Non Pro Futurity with a score of 143. Later in the day this combination placed second in the Buffalo Ranch Non Pro Futurity with a score of 145.

Geoff Nicol from Moree in NSW rode Striperella by Playboy Roy, to win in the NYCHA and PCA Limited Non Pro Futurity with a score of 145.

Mark Heath from Pinkett NSW rode his EB Dual N Spin to seventh place in the NYCHA and PCA Limited Non-Pro Futurity and equal eight place in the Buffalo Ranch Non Pro Futurity Final.

David Doolan from Nar Nar Goon Victoria rode Dara Lady Jays Gun to fourth place in the NYCHA and PCA Limited Non Pro Futurity with a score of 140.

Steve Felton from Bendemeer NSW rode his Teak N Tell to fourth place in the Buffalo Ranch Non Pro Futurity Final with a score of 141.

Colin Moore from Muswellbrook NSW rode his Racketeer Cat mare, Catsonita to equal eighth place in the Buffalo Ranch Non Pro Futurity Final and equal fifth place in the Limited Non-Pro final.

Popular competitor, Mark Buttsworth rode his own Dive Dove to win the Buffalo Ranch Non Pro Futurity Final with a score of 146 and take home the first prize cheque of $20,000 substantial trophies including a Roo-Hide Saddlery, Trophy Saddle.

Peter Shumack rode his homebred, Catmando by Peter's imported stallion Rackateer Cat to seventh place in the Buffalo Ranch Non Pro Futurity Final with a score of 139.

Geoff Saxby rode his own Cherry Oak to score 140 in the Buffalo Ranch Non Pro Futurity Final and take equal fifth place.

William Tapp formally from the Northern Territory and now living in Wowan Qld, rode his own Do Rey Me to third place in the Buffalo Ranch Non Pro Futurity Final with a score of 142.5.

Dean Holden from Cobram Victoria rode Claus and Karen Thrun's, well performed Chickasha Hope by the wonderful sire, Acres Destiny, to just make it into the ten horse final of the Greg Ellison and Priefert Classic Challenge with a score of 286.5.

Jonathan Dudley from Harrisville Qld, rode Wayne Brown's Acres Destiny gelding, Spirited Acres, to qualify for the final of the Greg Ellison and Priefert Classic Challenge, with the highest score of 294.