A record-breaking year as we look back on Nutrien Classic 2022

A record-breaking year as we look back on Nutrien Classic 2022

Australia’s leading campdraft competition and performance horse sale, the Nutrien Classic has once again exceeded expectations after a record-breaking year. The 11-day event wrapped up on Sunday 6 February, following the completion of the five-day horse sale that followed on from the campdraft competition finals.

With sales still under negotiation, the results published for the 2022 Classic have outdone any previous sales results in the event’s 15-year history. The Classic horse sale has generated more than $17.1 million, surging past the 2021 gross of $10.71 million. The average sales price was $27,113.92, with a clearance rate of 92.31%.

Nutrien’s Mark Barton said the team is thrilled with the events success.

“The event was established to showcase the performance horse industry and provide a platform for a quality performance horse sale. Over the years, we’ve faced various challenges whether it be drought, bushfires, or a global pandemic. 2022 has been no different, our team were able to deliver another outstanding event with high quality competition. The Nutrien Classic has gone from strength to strength as we’ve seen this year and will only continue to grow.”

Topping this year’s sale was the Willinga Park purchase of Bad in Black for $550,000 on account of Holly Clayden from Loomberah Lodge Performance Horses. Other notable sales include the $300,000 purchase of Terry and Christine Hall’s Hazelwood Country Blues by Matthew Moy from Kooyong Pastoral Company;Peter and Shari Knudsen’s purchase of Yaven Champagne Romance on account of John and Jenn Corbett for $260,000; and Petes Pet Squirrel, on account of Donell Park Stud, who sold for $190,000 to Koobah Performance Horses Pty Ltd.

Complementing the sale was the outstanding horsemanship and quality breeding on display during the campdrafting competition. Many riders competed for a share in $400,000 worth of prizes – Australia’s largest campdraft prize pool, and the winners were:

  • 2022 Nutrien Equine Classic Campdraft Winner: Ben Hall from Muttaburra QLD, riding HUNTER VIEW CONMAZE, owned by Ben and Cheri Stanger, 266 points
  • Prydes EasiFeed Australian Performance Horse Challenge Winner: Nathan Wilson, riding MITCHELLS CONTUCKY, owned by Darrin & Cathie Jones, 335 points
  • 2022 Martins Stock Haulage Open Campdraft Winner: Will Durkin, riding NONDA SOUTHERN CROSS, owned by Heather & David Pascoe, 269 points
  • 2022 4CYTE Masters Campdraft Winner: Ben Hall, riding MILLUNGERAS ALLEYCAT, owned by Lukas Roberts, 169 points
  • 2022 Dalgety Stallion Shootout Overall Winner: Ben Hall, riding SHEROS TRADITIONAL ACRES, owned by Andrew Sheridan, 205 points
  • 2022 Charlie Maher Memorial Young Guns Campdraft Winner: Will Edwards, riding PORTER, owned by Mac and Gayle Shann, 178 points
  • 2022 Coverdrive Dash For Cash Gelding Campdraft Winner: Dan Condon, riding ROYAL CROWN WHICKEY, owned by LE & CD Stewart, 89 points
  • 2022 Jimmy Matthews Memorial Ladies Dash For Cash Campdraft Winner: Kate Southern, riding EBS TOUCHMIASOMEMORE, owned by Kate Southern, 90 points
  • NCCA Champion Rider Title Campdraft Team/ Overall Individual Winner: Team ACA won the overall, with Ben Hall, riding CHISUMS CASH, 269 points to win the individual
  • 2022 Standardbred Campdraft Winner: Michael Wilson, riding MONIFIETH

As in previous years, the Classic Ladies Foundation has gone above and beyond with their fundraising efforts, raising more than $100,000. The funds were generated through the sale of the iconic Ladies Foundation caps, the Classic luncheon, charity auction and monster raffle. The group of women behind the Classic Ladies Foundation are located across Australia and come together for the event to give back to charities that advocate for causes impacting their community. This years’ proceeds will be proudly donated to Bowel Cancer Australia and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Ronald McDonald House Manager for Northern New South Wales, Rhiannon Curtis said “We’re incredibly grateful for the donation from the Classic Ladies Foundation. The money received is the equivalent to one years’ accommodation. It will be spread out nationally, providing relief for regional and rural families whose children are undergoing medical treatment.”

In addition to smashing sales records, six former harness racing horses (standardbreds) were auctioned at the Nutrien Classic for the first time, as part of a new partnership between Nutrien Equine and the NSW Harness Racing Industry Standardbred Re-Homing Company. The partnership paired 6 standardbreds with professional trainers in the lead up to the Classic as an introduction to life after racing.

“Each of the trainers who have introduced these harness racing horses to their new life as a saddle horse have done a remarkable job,” said Peter Nugent, Chairman of the Standardbred Re-Homing Company. “To showcase the potential for not just these six horses but for any standardbred after racing through the Nutrien Classic was a wonderful opportunity.”

The standardbreds were showcased in a freestyle event, utility work and campdraft before coming under the hammer. They are now headed to their new lives, some becoming working horses on a cattle station, and others joining riding schools in Southern NSW.

“It’s great to promote the breed for their life after racing” Mr Barton said. “It’s a great initiative and we will welcome it back in 2023.”

To top off the record-breaking event, the 2022 Nutrien Classic Store Cattle Sale also exceeded expectations. The Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange penned 5,700 head of cattle and 350 calves; making a gross total of $13.8 million and the average price per head was $2,420.

Nutrien Agent, Scott Simshauser said, “In its 12 years, the store sale has built a solid reputation. We saw cattle from across New South Wales and South-West Queensland come up for sale. Attendees were overwhelmed by the quality of stock on offer, with many buyers securing premium lines of cattle. Top prices varied from $2,920/head for Angus steers, $4,075 for Pregnancy-Tested-In-Calf cows and a pen of cow and calf units sold for $4,875.”

“This event would not be possible without the ongoing support from so many people, organisations and sponsors. To all who attended; competitors, vendors, buyers or spectators, thank you for supporting our event that will be remembered in the history books as a record-breaking year,” said Mark Barton.

“Make sure you save the date for 2023 as we’re already looking forward to seeing you all for the 16th Nutrien Classic,” concluded Mark.

Source: Nutrien Classic

Image supplied by Nutrien Classic