IT may be tucked away in the south-west Queensland outback but when the Boulia community put on a ‘true-blue Aussie’ weekend they do it as well as, if not better than, any community anywhere in this vast country.
The annual Easter weekend at Boulia was just that – a fantastic weekend of ‘true-blue Aussie’ sport and fun with rodeo, campdrafting and country racing.
No official crowd numbers were available but reports of 400 plus have been received and reporting from Boulia, Ann Britton said she hadn’t seen such a crowd for a few years turn up to enjoy the weekend in “near perfect” weather.
“The district is still in drought so the weekend provided great therapy for those stressed out by the drought,” Ms Britton said.
“We really appreciate NAPCO, who supplied the stock for the weekend – as they do each year.”
Click on the photo below for the full gallery from the weekend. Photos coutesy of Ann Britton Photography
The campdraft received a record 900 nominations – so many that organisers had to cut the number back to fit the draft into the time schedule.
The record nominations were, in some respects, a result of the campdraft clinic held two days before.
The clinic featured a beginners’ and a judging school with Tom Gleeson taking the beginners section and Evan Acton the judging – both assisted by Ben Tapp.
At Saturday’s races there was a photo-finish in the first and some stunning fashions on the field.
Trainer Denise Ballard and jockey Keith Ballard made it a family affair, winning both the trainers’ and the jockeys’ competition.
Cody Tully won the open bull ride and Steven Tapp took out the open steer ride.
The ladies steer ride was won by Jodie Fisher the open barrels was won by Katrina Rutherford.
Cody Tully won the junior barrel race.
