GIPPSLAND rider Mat Holz made the journey to Queensland’s North West to compete in the highly contested 2014 Ernest Henry Mining Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft last weekend.
Some of the best horses and riders in the country trekked far and wide for four days of Aussie horse-sport competition at the prestigious Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft, which was held at the Cloncurry Equestrian Centre.
Record nominations were received for the 2014 event to compete for $60,000 in prizes and prize money.
Taking home sixth place in the prestigious Ernest Henry Mining Challenge, and first place in the Under 5 Preliminary Round for Wet Work, Mat Holz riding Myarra Southern Star finished on a score of 319.25, just 18.5 points behind the winner, Jon Templeton riding Pure Blonde.
“This was the first time we made the journey to Cloncurry,” Mat said.
“We had talked about going, and knew a lot of people who were heading up there, so we decided to make the 2800 kilometre trek.”
“We took nine horses to the event, and I was lucky enough to place sixth overall on Myarra Southern Star, as well as a few placings in the other events,” he said.
Mat was also successful in the Queensland Country Life Novice Draft on Atkins Sugar, as well as placing fourth in the Imparja Television Open Challenge on Darma Acres of Impact and equal third in the Elanco Best of the Best Restricted Open on Sheros Traditional Acres.
President of the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft James Coates said the 2014 Ernest Henry Mining Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge was a fantastic weekend.
“We were thrilled with the success of the 2014 event,” he said.
“We were lucky enough to draw some of the best riders in the country, the atmosphere was electric and the weather was near perfect.”
