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2026 NUTRIEN STALLION CAMPDRAFT- AQHA OWNER INCENTIVE WINNER
2026 Nutrien Stallion Campdraft AQHA Incentive winner Bradley Comiskey and Springsteen Q-95128- being presented by AQHA President, Ricky Glen
Bradley Comiskey and Springsteen Q-95128 • Photo by: Grace Mary Photography
EARLY SIGNS OF GREATNESS While this year’ s Classic cemented his status, signs of Springsteen’ s potential had been evident from the start.
In his first year of competition in 2023, ridden by Matt Moffat, he finished eighth in the Nutrien Classic Challenge Final, won three futurity campdrafts, and claimed multiple cut-outs. He also competed at Cloncurry, leading the Round 1 aggregate and finishing seventh overall.
Since then, he has continued to win and place consistently. At just seven years old, his 2026 Classic performance was extraordinary: finalist in both the Open and Graduate Campdrafts, second in the Stallion Draft, and missing third place in the Stallion Shootout by just half a point all against elite competition.
For his owners, that was the moment any lingering doubt disappeared.
“ He’ s the real deal.”
BUILDING A LASTING PARTNERSHIP Ask Bradley and Briony what matters most when developing a horse like Springsteen, and their answer is simple: patience.
“ Take it slow and keep your eye on the long game,” they advise.“ You want a great horse for many years, not just one or two.”
Competition pressure, week after week, can take a toll. Their philosophy centres on longevity, careful management, and consistent maintenance. Between drafts, every horse returns home to be trained on cattle or buffalo keeping them sharp, varied, and mentally engaged.
It’ s a system built on sustainability rather than shortcuts.
WHAT’ S NEXT FOR THE BOSS? Despite their recent triumph, there’ s no dramatic overhaul of plans.
With farm and off-farm commitments demanding attention particularly their on property bull sale in October the year will likely follow its usual rhythm. Horses and cattle share equal priority from July through spring.
There is, however, one ambition quietly sitting on the horizon: a return to the Gold Buckle Draft at Willinga schedules permitting.
For now, it’ s business as usual. Because for Bradley, Briony, and Springsteen, success hasn’ t come from chasing headlines. It’ s come from balance, patience, and belief the same qualities that first caught their eye in a standout two-year-old back in 2021.
And if his journey so far is anything to go by, The Boss is only just getting started.
Australian Quarter Horse Association- www. aqha. com. au