By JACINTA CUMMINS
10 August 2021
THE Eumamurrin Campdraft was the “icing on the cake” of a successful season for Chinchilla’s Shari Knudsen.
Knudsen and her horse Cruzin One Time won the Senex Energy Restricted Open Draft, the Open draft on Bella Mia and the Ladies draft on Chics Playgirl.
She and Bella Mia last year won the Ladies draft at the prestigious Condamine Bell Campdraft.
Knudsen scored 90 in the first run of the Restricted Open and 87 in the run off for a total aggregate of 177.
It was a hard won victory as Knudsen had come second to Roma’s Brendan Fitzgerald and his horse Rosette in a run off for the Restricted Open at Eumamurrin in 2019.
“I rode Cruzin One Time then and we were determined to win this time so it was really nice to land it,” Knudsen said.
“Eumamurrin was my most successful draft this season. I did have a little bit of luck go my way and the cattle were exceptional.
“It is the draft to go to every year because it has such good cattle and that’s a real credit to the committee.”
Eumamurrin Campdraft coordinator Jane Lee said seven local families had donated 1500 head of cattle, which was up on 2019 when the district was gripped by drought, allowing the campdraft to offer 950 first round runs to 225 competitors.
“We offer the nominations to our locals and regulars before opening to further away competitors but we drew riders from as far away as Mingo in Central Queensland, Goomburra in South East Queensland and Charleville in the west,” Lee said.
“The campdraft went really well and the committee received good feedback with riders telling us we are one of the best drafts on the circuit.
“The money raised will go back into the Eumamurrin Hall and facilities with plans to get a new PA system for the arena and continue renovations to the hall including a deck to allow everyone to see the arena and the tennis courts.
“A big thanks goes to all our sponsors, especially Senex Energy, because their support allows us to host these events.
“We live in an amazing area with an amazing committee where everyone does their bit.
“I’d also like to mention Henry Livestock who truck all the cattle home after the draft.”
Senex Energy community relations manager Trevor Robertson said Senex was proud to donate the $1500 prize money for the Restricted Open.
“The campdraft is a great event for Eumamurrin and the surrounding communities and the riders and horses who travel to compete in it.
“Much like campdrafting is a team effort between a rider and their horse, Senex Energy works with the landholders and communities where we operate to help contribute to the vibrancy and sustainability of the local community.”
