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2024 Nutrien Classic Campdraft Champions Mark Buttsworth and Hard Currency ' s Q-99043 with owner Dave Kennedy ( left ) and sponsor Roo Hide Saddles
Nutrien Equine are delighted with the 17th Nutrien Classic Sale results , which were in line with current economic markets and a reduction in horse numbers due to wet conditions preventing numerous vendors from attending the 2024 event . The strength in statistics is a true testament to the commitment and resilience of the industry and its members .
The level of competition at the Nutrien Classic is undoubtedly improving every year – with 2024 seeing some of the best performances from hundreds of competitors and horses throughout the week .
Monday night saw the first final , the Prydes Easifeed Australian Performance Horse Challenge with the 10th trophy trailer donated by long term sponsors Peel & Jody Tribe of Navaho Trailers . Warming up with the annual Happy Hour sponsored by Coverdrive Promotions , spectators were full of anticipation as they prepared for a showcase of some of the best hands in the industry .
It was , as always , excruciatingly close in the end - with the wet work element of runs proving a true leaderboard decider – but it was the quality combination of Leah Read and LETHAL KING COLE Q-94012 , leaders of the field heading into the final , who claimed victory with a stunning 174 point performance ( a breathtaking 90 point Dry Work showcase and 84 for Wet Work )! They topped the scoreboard with an Aggregate score of 341.5 .
The Young sire by NRR Cat King Cole Q-90230 , out of Tassas Lethal Spin Q-78199 and owned by the “ Challenge Syndicate ” ( a powerhouse partnership between Peter Shakespeare , Matthew Crane & Leah ) was described by Peter Shakespeare as a “ legend in the making ”. An accurate description for the young sire who was purchased back in 2021 as a 2-year-old colt for $ 80,000 from breeder and vendor Brydie Hughes .
On Tuesday we saw the final round of the Prydes Easifeed Champion Rider Title – the National Campdraft Council of Australia ( NCCA ) event hotly contested by some of the most competitive Campdrafters from around Australia .
AQHA MARCH / APRIL 2024