Over 130 competitors have run today in the first round Dry work of the Prydes EasiFeed Performance Horse Challenge. This event which began in 2013 has grown in numbers each year to become the biggest performance horse challenge in the country.
With over $50,000 in prizes and a beautiful Navaho trailer worth over $28,000 it attracts Australia’s finest horse people vying for the top spot.
Josh Smith riding PCD REYNING METAL owned by 2FL Syndicate from Marmor near Rockhampton in QLD, is leading with 88.25 points. This METALLIC CAT colt was purchased at the 2022 Classic from Peter and Carolyne Doonan for $100,000.
Not far behind on equal points of 86.75 is LETHAL KING COLE owned by the Challenge Syndicate, ridden by Leah Read and Mark Buttsworth riding BRANCHVALE METAL ALLOY owned by Rodger Grant from Koobah Performance here in Tamworth.
Other Emerging leaders were Jon Templeton riding SERENE ROMANCE for owner Jack Brown from Narromine NSW with an 86.50. Josh Smith put together another excellent run to score an 86.25 on SMITH FAMILY MOORE GYPSY owned by the Donaldson Family from Marmor in QLD.
Local Gunnedah competitor Michael Wilson riding ACRES LAST STAND also scored 86.25 for owners Lockerbie Stock Horses from Gunnedah NSW. Another impressive early run was AMAROO BET HES A BLUEBOON owned by Audrey Haywood from Kootingal NSW and ridden by Dan Steers scored a neat 86.00.
Judges Jay Charnock and Huon Smith will be on standby for the commencement of the Wet work tomorrow at 8am in the Indoor Arena.
Full Results https://www.nutrienequine.com.au/nec23-competition-results/
Full Webcast Rewatch https://www.nutrienequine.com.au/nec23-webcasts/