MEDIA RELEASE - Cloncurry Stockman's Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 July 2018

Heralded as one of the greatest displays of horsemanship in Australia, the 2018 Curley Cattle Transport Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft returned to Queensland’s Outback on Wednesday 11 to Sunday 15 July 2018. Hundreds of competitors, spectators and sponsors from across Australia made the trip celebrate the prestigious and elite event.

With more than $100,000 in prizes and prize money up for grabs, the standard of competition for the 2018 event was exceptional. The winner of the renowned Curley Cattle Transport Classic Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge was Morgan Webb and Contractor on a score of 336, owned by Tony and Kellie Pearce.

Tony Pearce, owner of Contractor, said he was thrilled with the performance of Morgan Webb and their horse Contractor.

“We are so pleased with our colt Contractor at the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge,” Tony said. “After four grueling stages, he took out first place in the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge Classic event with the very experienced and equally popular Morgan Webb at the reins.”

“Kellie and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Morgan Webb and Emma O'Shea for taking Contractor on this winter and all the hard work they've put into him, as well as David Ahern for breeding this horse. We would also like to thank the Cloncurry Challenge committee and everyone involved,” he said “we’re behind thrilled with the result.”

President of the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft, Cheyne Williams, said the event drew some of the best riders and horses in the country to Cloncurry.

“The level of horsemanship on display at the 2018 event was second to none and in my opinion, is what the event is all about,” he said. “This year, we received 1350 nominations over five days, all of which were of a very high standard.”

“I would like to thank all of the sponsors of the event, who without them, the event would not be possible. More than 2000 cattle were kindly donated, and the hospitality offered was amazing.”

Joshua Smith and Mr Freckles Chic made history at this year’s Curley Cattle Transport Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft, becoming the first duo to win both the classic and open Challenges at the event. Josh won the Classic Challenge in 2015, and returned to the ring this year to win the Open Challenge on the same horse, making the history books.

Event Secretary Stacey Robertson said the 2018 event was a great success.

“Held in the heart of Queensland’s North West, the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft is unique,” Stacey said. “The event, the people and the Outback environment is quintessentially Australian.”

“There have been some significant improvements to the Equestrian Centre in the past few months, including a new ablution block, a retaining wall (doubling as viewing platform), the installation of a permanent wing for spent cattle and improvements to the arena. We received glowing feedback and hope to continue to improve the facility and the event in years to come.

The Curley Cattle Transport Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge was held on Wednesday 11 to Sunday 15 July 2018, at the Cloncurry Equestrian Centre, Queensland. For more information and results, visit www.currychallenge.com.au.

Hashtag: #cloncurrychallenge
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CloncurryChallenge

Final placings of the Curley Cattle Transport Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge:
First: Morgan Webb and Contractor on a score of 336.
Second: Andrew Stallmann and River Meadows Smooth Abbey on a score of 326.
Third: Hugh Miles and Woolerina Poetry on a score of 325.
Fourth: Robert Leach and Shirley Shiney on a score of 320.
Fifth: Robert Leach and Chisa Duck on a score of 318.5.
Sixth: Wayne Bean and Moore Hard Acres on a score of 315.
Seventh/Eighth: Cody Stevens and El Pascol Czar on a score of 313.5.
Seventh/Eighth: Ron Wall and Roxette on a score of 313.5.
Ninth: Jon Templeton and Donell Park Hustler on a score of 309.5.
Tenth: Jon Templeton and Nonda Wallflower on a score of 301.5.
Katherine Maitland
Lightbulb Media & Marketing