The nine-day premier campdrafting competition and performance horse sale held in Tamworth has been hailed a success by organisers.
So far, The Nutrien Classic has generated more than $7.65 Million in horse sales, with several sales still under negotiation and processing.
With the average selling price currently sitting at $15,813 and a clearance rate of more than 84 per cent, the 2020 event is now recorded as the highest-grossing sale over its 13 years.
Koobah Performance Horses was the purchaser of this year’s top seller Branchvale Metal Alloy – a stallion by Metallic Cat out of Reys Little Hottie - on account of Emdee Enterprisers, who sold for $126,000 on day four of the sale.
Stand out prices from the sale also include Depco Pastoral’s purchase of Wicked Duck on account of ESTL John Brekelmans for $77,500; and Balmoral Downs Stock Horses purchase of Eagle Brave on account of B & E Mooney for $44,000.
Metallic Storm on account of Jim & Lynda MacCallum was passed in during the sale at $75,000 but later sold to Metallic Storm Syndicate for $100,000.
Nutrien’s Mark Barton said event organisers are delighted with the overall success of the event.
“The quality of competition, horsemanship, and breeding displayed over the past nine days have been incredible to see," he said.
"There’s no doubt; our industry has experienced several challenges this year – from floods in Northern QLD to crippling drought and the recent bushfires – the odds have been against us.
"But the results generated during the event are a testament to the positivity and dedication of our competitors, buyers, vendors and spectators who have worked tirelessly to prepare for The Classic."
IN OTHER NEWS:
The Classic Ladies Foundation, a group of women from all over Australia who are associated with the campdrafting and performance horse industry, again rallied together at to raise funds and awareness for their annual charity of choice.
This year, The Classic Ladies Foundation was supporting Rural Aid and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, two issues that have deeply affected their community.
Across the nine days, they sold more than 800 custom caps, ran several raffles, held a luncheon and received the funds from one of the water buffalo sold during the sale, which has generated more than $65,000.
Since establishing five years ago, The Classic Ladies Foundation has donated all proceeds from their fundraising efforts directly to the charities they support.
The sale wasn’t the only side of the event, with riders travelling from all over the country to participate in the highly regarded campdraft competition.
The Classic saw a total of 1,166 nominations and 398 individuals take to the arena to battle it out for a share in over $270,000 worth of prizes across 11 different event categories.