March 1, 2017
The organisers of the 68th Cooyar Show may have taken a gamble by dropping the ring events this year, but spectators were rewarded with almost non-stop action in the main arena.
The day began early (at 6:00am) with a campdraft featuring 375 nominations in four draws.
As soon as the campdraft wrapped up, it was time for grand parade which featured a good display of stock, followed by the colourful entries in the ute competition.
As the afternoon powered on, there was barrel racing in the main ring followed by a mini-horse display.
The focus then turned to piston-power with a demolition derby followed by a display of freestyle motocross bikes.
The traditional agricultural focus wasn’t forgotten.
There were 75 exhibits in the stud beef competition, as well as hotly contested Young Judges and Paraders competitions.
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The show was officially opened by former professional bullrider and third-generation cattleman Rob Cook, who shared his inspirational story with the crowd.
Rob became a paraplegic in a helicopter crash in 2008 while he was mustering cattle on his family property in the Northern Territory.
He was determined to get back on the land despite being confined to a wheelchair.
In 2010, he was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship which allowed him to visit farming businesses overseas.
He is now a published author and runs his own beef business in Queensland.
During the official opening ceremony, three stalwarts of the Cooyar Show were presented with Life Membership badges.
Brett Munt was Show Society treasurer for 14 years, his wife Teresa has been a long-term volunteer, and Joan Mead has been the driving force behind the fruit and veges section in the Pavilion.
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But the biggest drawcard at the Cooyar Show is always the rodeo in the evening.
The bullride is always popular with spectators, but it is also popular with competitors as there are good cash prizes on offer.
As usual, the night was topped off with a fireworks display.
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Campdraft Scores
Novice
1 Lisa Rycroft – CTK Paper Moon – 173
2 Thomas Mills – Pea Vine Acres – 171
3 Dan Keliher – Bluey – 170
4 Aaron Williamson – Aussie – 169
5 Gary Maguire Bart – 168
6 Thomas Mills – Destiny’s Stardust – 166
7 Kerry Hall – Brenwon Treo – 165
7 Andrew Winks – Woolerina Design – 165
9 Kerry Hall – Meg – 164
10 Josh Sippel – Roman – 163
Junior
1 Holly Barron – Renae – 58
2 Lara Mylett – Double Trouble – 47
3 Hugh Gleeson – Lena’s Lawgirl – 21
4 Charlotte Winks – Woolerina Duet – 20
4 Lori Kasper – Seligmans Bundy – 20
6 Cody Ryan – Clancy – 18
6 Shannon Hansen – Docs Sweet Dual – 18
8 Layla Gauld – Harry Cool – 15
9 Abbie-Jane Lord – Covergirl – 14
9 Hudson Willis – Chips – 14
Juvenile
1 Riley Rockemer – Spin ‘n’ Lynx – 86
2 Brooke Barron – Tinkabell – 85
3 Dean Radke – McNamara Concerto – 83
3 Darby Ryan – Brenwon Rock Star – 83
5 Emily Curr – Miss North – 81
5 Cooper Curr – Ice – 81
7 Tayla McCarthy – Baby Doll – 73
8 Georgia Curr – Marnies North – 22
9 Shanae Gray – Barkley Chilli Acres – 21
10 Reece Murphy – Ebony – 20
Open
1 Anthony (Midge) Thompson – Jelana – 85
2 Mark Kasper – Tinkabell – 83
2 David Harch – Moon Oscar – 83
4 Raymond Charles – Jatz – 81
4 Robyn Lucht – Fine Line – 81
4 Kym Clark – Tivio – 81
7 Ian Schafferius – Jack – 80
8 Rod Tinney – Comanche Roc – 79
8 Philip Matthews – Mexico – 79
10 Troy Keliher – Blue Diamond – 78
