A record breaking Nutrien Classic wraps up for 2021
The Nutrien Classic has cemented its reputation as Australia’s leading campdraft competition and performance
horse sale after the 10-day event concluded on Sunday 7 February with record-breaking success.
While sales are still under negotiation, the results recorded from The 2021 Classic have so far exceeded all previous sales by a mile. The sale has generated more than $10.71Million in horse sales, recorded an average selling price of $21,596, and seen a clearance rate of 94.66%. This is the fifth year running that the event has produced more than $7Million in sales, and the first-ever year to make over $10Million.
Nutrien’s Mark Barton said the team is over the moon with the event’s success.
“Our goal has always been to hold an event that bolsters the performance horse industry through high quality competition, sales and social interaction; and despite the many recent challenges of drought, floods, fires and a global health pandemic, The 2021 Classic has certainly seen us achieve this goal with flying colours.”
“This is the first major campdraft and sale since COVID struck. The ever-changing plans made to ensure The Classic could go ahead as a COVID-safe event were well worth it when you look at the incredible results it has generated for our industry.”
Topping this year’s sale was the The Trustee for Jones Family’s purchase of Cheshire Cat for $170,000 on account of Emily Poole. Other notable sales include the $125,000 purchase of Marilyn McCulloch’s Hoaths Peter by RP & HP Partnership, which is the highest priced open aged stallion to ever sell at The Classic; Brad & Briony Comiskey’s purchase of Springsteen on account of Isaac Westerhuis for $95,000; and Who’s A Little Fancy, on account of Kandee & David Thorn, who sold for $90,000 to Cougar Cattle Company.
Complementing the sale was the outstanding horsemanship and quality breeding on display during the campdrafting competition. Many riders competed for a share in $360,000 worth of prizes – Australia’s largest campdraft prize pool – across 9 categories, and the winners were:
2021 Nutrien Equine Classic Campdraft Final Winner:
Ben Hall from Muttaburra QLD, on RATHCOOL DR WHO, owned by Ben & Jaye Hall, 269 points.
Prydes EasiFeed Australian Performance Horse Challenge Winner:
Adam Wrobel from Denman NSW, on BRANCHVALE NIPS N TUCKS, Owned by David and Leanne Badior, 321 points.
2021 Martins Stock Haulage Open Campdraft Winner:
Peter Boulton from Heyfield VIC, on REFLEX, owned by Peter & Michelle Boulton, 273 points.
2021 Navaho Trailers Masters Campdraft Winner:
Peter Boulton from Heyfield VIC, on GERROA SWEET ROMANCE, owned by Peter & Michelle Boulton, 177 points.
2021 Dalgety Stallion Shootout Overall Winner:
Pete Comiskey from Nebo QLD, on ARCHDALE CONVOY, owned by Stevenson & Frame, 255 points.
2021 Charlie Maher Memorial Young Guns Campdraft Final Winner:
Matt Moffat from Kabra QLD, on CAT SWIFT, owned by Zane Habermann, 180 points.
2021 AELEC Bar Dash For Cash Gelding Draft Winner:
Ben Hall from Muttaburra, on HALLS SANDIEGO, owned by Luke Quaid, 91 points.
2021 Jimmy Matthews Memorial Ladies Dash For Cash Final Campdraft, sponsored by CM Pastoral, Winner:
Sophie Maynes from Tamworth, on GEM, 87 points.
NCCA Prydes EasiFeed Champion Rider Title Campdraft Overall Individual/Team Winner: Pete Comiskey from Nebo QLD, on HARRY, 261 points. Team ACA (Australian Campdraft Association) won the overall teams with 5 points (6 riders over 3 rounds per team).
In true Classic community spirit, The Ladies’ Foundation also shone brightly this year, raising in excess of $110,000. The funds, generated through the Classic Luncheon, Charity Auction, Monster Raffle and sale of the highly sought-after Ladies’ Foundation hats, is the highest amount raised by The Ladies’ Foundation. The group of women are located all over Australia but come together during the event to give back to charities that advocate for causes impacting their community. Proceeds raised at this year’s Classic will be proudly donated to the Black Dog Institute and Melanoma Institute of Australia.
