The small outback town of Julia Creek will be busy this weekend, when 191 competitors descend on the town for the annual campdraft.
With 1050 first round runs, Julia Creek Campdraft president Michael Leake said this would be the biggest year he had seen to date.
“This is my fourth and final year as president and this is the biggest I have seen yet,” Leake said.
“With so many competitors and around $20,000 prize money we are expecting a big draw crowd from as far as Camooweal, Longreach, Dirranbandi, Charters Towers, Hughenden and local areas in between.
“Now days there is strong competition and you really notice it when you see a junior competitively completing the course, you really take in the amount of competition there is.
“I believe this sport will continue to grow. It has gone from strength to strength each year and more committees are beginning to run futurity drafts for horses under the age of four, which is well supported.”
Friday’s events will start off at midday with Maiden Campdraft and Futurity Campdraft for four-year-old horses and under.
Saturday will start off with the Open Campdraft, Mini, Junior and Juvenile Campdrafts with a Maiden for Maiden and Restricted Open in the afternoon.
Sunday competition will continue with a Novice Campdraft.
“This is an annual event and has been running for at least the last 15 years that I have been involved,” Leake said
“It has always been for the community members and surrounding stations who have an interest in campdrafting.
“It is just a great social event for everyone to come together doing something we all enjoy.”
.A bar and catering services will be available at McIntyre Park, with Ron Sellers band performing every night.
Leake wanted to thanks the committee and volunteers for their assistance leading up to the event. He also wanted to thank B & V Hick from Lindfield Station, J & L Davison from Allan Downs Station and P & T Curr from Arizona Station for donating the stock for the event.
For any updates on the event see Julia Creek Campdraft Facebook page.