09/11/2025
Even though I come from a campdraft family, I didn’t have the chance to compete, so being able to ride at the Keith & Districts Campdraft this weekend has been a long-held aspiration—and it’s never too late to try something new in the saddle. It was my third ever campdraft start and I placed 4th in the Zoetis and Gawler River Quarter Horses Encouragement Draft, which was a fun, and possibly addictive experience.
What made it even more special is that I was riding the superbly cool-minded Kirkbys Stud Marvel, who did a terrific 22 cut out before the clock beat us outside. Marvel is a 6 year old mare that’s as new to the sport as me, but being by Hazelwood Conman and out of Kirkbys Stud Miracle means she’s naturally talented. Marvel’s dam, Miracle, is an open and juvenile draft winner who is from an exceptionally strong maternal line of open draft winning mares, including Kirkbys Stud Orchy (2nd in the Canning Downs), Kirkbys Stud Epaulet and Kirkbys Abaleen (both Impact Mares).
A huge thank you to my amazingly supportive partner Randall, and to my fabulous friends Annika and Jacqui—your advice, support, and the celebratory bubbly were all very much needed!
Also on the weekend, Coolum Ovation continued her amazing streak with David Murphy picking up two places. Ovation ran a cracking 88 in the Brandt Open final to place 3rd, after she placed 4th in the Neales River Livestock and Country Sew 'N' Sew Maiden B. This was Ovation’s fifth campdraft and since starting her new career she has placed 7 times, run 13 full courses and 3 other outside scores from only 21 run starts—quite an incredible stat.
Thank you to the Keith & Districts Campdraft committee for an exceptionally well run draft, it ran like clockwork. Thank you also to Murphy Performance Horses, the sponsors, cattle donors, and judges.
Always more info at www.kirkby.au
