PERFECT autumn conditions prevailed for this year's Mansfield Campdraft, which ran over three days last month and saw plenty of high scores from some of the state's top campdrafters.
The 2024 campdraft, which ran from March 15 to 17, was a highly successful event enjoyed by many spectators and competitors, according to Mansfield Campdraft Club's president, John McCormack.
"With a huge number of entries, the competition was strong and close with some fantastic drafting and three run offs occurring in the finals," said Mr McCormack.
"The club would like to thank all our event and weekend sponsors, donors, cattle donors, volunteers and helpers that made the weekend possible," he said.
The eight draft program began with the Ladies on Friday afternoon March 15 at the Mansfield showgrounds.
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The draft run in memory of much-loved Mansfield horsewoman Peg James was won by Abby Kettner riding Peptos Kat with a score of 175.
The decision to start on Friday afternoon from 3.30pm was made three years ago, and it has enabled organisers to get through all the drafts in daylight hours and finish at a reasonable time on Sunday afternoon.
Friday night competitors were treated to a free sausage sizzle and music provided by committee member Sue Thompson with Dennis Tucker who played some well-known country tunes.
Saturday morning from first light, competitors were on the camp for the start of the Maiden A draft with a hot air balloon visible against the scenic backdrop of Mt Buller.
Riding Done Deal, Tup Forge won the Maiden A with 171 points, closely followed by Mansfield's Jacoba Tanner on Peptos Angelique, who scored 169.
Maiden B was an exciting final runoff, with Aaron Thege and Elliott taking out first place with a score of 260.
Jacoba upped the ante in the Alan Pascoe Memorial juvenile draft, taking out first and second places.
The 17 year old rode Tangy Cat to victory with a score of 90 and came in behind with 88 points riding Peptos Angelique.
Jacoba had a 23 camp in the juvenile draft with Tangy Cat and took out the Noel Egan Memorial's highest local cutout buckle.
The Egan family has been a long-time supporter of the Mansfield Campdraft.
The novice draft with 199 starters was a tight finish with a runoff that saw Lachie Sim on Destiny Cherry scoring 262, one point ahead of Luke Jackson riding Buzz to take out the honours.
The Curly (Paul) McCormack (former drafter and committee member) memorial open draft was won by Nick Hancock on Moore Rox with 178.
The Jim James Memorial for juniors was won by Darcy Cummins riding Ally, scoring 40.
The final draft of the weekend was the Lockie Campbell memorial open, where members of his family presented the ribbons and prizes to the place getters.
First place went to Jim Hiscock, riding Contempt to score 174.
The Mansfield Campdraft Club, a subcommittee of the Mansfield A&P Society, made a small presentation to past president Paul Sheppard on the weekend.
John McCormack thanked Paul for his dedication as president of the campdraft club from 2011 to 2023 and as a committee member for much longer.
There was a time for socialising on Saturday night at the traditional roast dinner in the Ed Harris Pavilion, which competitors greatly appreciated.
