Six days, 1,200 runs, $300,000 prizemoney and a community that gave back
The loudest cheer of the week rang out on Saturday afternoon as the Power Contracting & Farming + Power Energy Open Final came down to a dramatic runoff. After three gruelling rounds, Andrew Turvey on Cats ’N Roses and Morgan Marks on Complex sat deadlocked on 270.5, forcing one last run to decide it. The crowd was on its feet as Turvey cut clean and ran true for a 91, edging out Marks’ 90.5 in a finish that will be talked about for years. The buckle, the $50,000 cheque, a Made by Harls saddle pad and the bronze trophy crafted by Jaye Hall all went Turvey’s way, while Marks earned every bit of applause for pushing the contest right to the wire.
That climax capped a week of campdrafting that showed the sport at its best. Across six days, more than 1,200 runs were recorded, over $300,000 in prizemoney was awarded, and one of the strongest southern contingents yet hauled north to Wandoan in search of points, placings and prestige. Now in its third year, Willinga at Juandah Plains has cemented itself as a true showcase of consistency, horsemanship and community spirit.
The ’90 Club’ set the pace early. Round 1 drew a staggering 555 nominations and lit up with high scores, none better than Ben Hall and Halls Eltorrio posting a commanding 92. More than 40 combinations joined the “90 Club,” proving just how high the standard would be. The cut outs were just as sharp, with Shari Knudsen on Jack Reacher taking the honours with a 23.5.
Round 2 proved telling, with Andrew Turvey on Cats ’N Roses and Morgan Marks on Complex both posting 91 to finish the round tied at the top on 181.5. As it turned out, those same two riders would still be inseparable at the end of the Final, forcing the runoff that brought the crowd to its feet. A flying 92 from Peter Knudsen on Yaven Champagne Romance pushed him to 181, while Bradley Comiskey on Snap Chat (91.5 for 181) and John Turvey on Fable (90 for 181) also sat right in the mix. The cut-out drama matched the scoring — four riders tied on 23.5 before Stewart Wallace on Kattnap edged the runoff with a 24 to take the Round 2 Cut Out.
Across three rounds and a heart-stopping runoff, the Open delivered everything campdrafters and spectators could ask for — big scores, tight margins and a finish that went down in history. Turvey and Marks stole the spotlight, but the depth of talent was clear with Moffat, Hall and Comiskey right on their heels and prizemoney flowing through to 15th place. It was the kind of contest that set the tone for the rest of the program, with every feature draft that followed carrying the same pressure.
The Dulverton Angus Ladies’ Shootout produced another finish to remember. Fiona Palmer on Binnia Shaquil and Wendy Pownall on Tecoma Red Robin both scored 90 to force a runoff, where Palmer held her nerve to edge ahead. Along with the buckle and Made by Harls saddle pad, she also took home a glittering prize from Palomino Jewels — 18ct yellow gold pearl earrings valued at $2,490. Lexi Payne on Little Twirl claimed the Cut Out, taking home a custom knife by Annie Wieden, as the Shootout once again lived up to its reputation.
The Henry Earthmoving Restricted Open was another highlight of the week. With 191 entries cut to 28 for the final, Michael Hayes on Merle (Branchvale Conviction) held firm to win on 181, just ahead of Cameron Webster on Bob (180.5) and Sam Campbell on Coneye (180). Hayes pocketed $5,760, the buckle and a Made by Harls Saddle Pad. The Restricted Open Cut Out again went to Stewart Wallace, who posted another 24 on Kattnap to cap a big week.
The Cobb Contracting & Western Wide Earthmoving Maiden 4 Maiden carried a $5,000 prizemoney pool and brought 15 riders back for the clean slate final, where Gavin Ware on Destiny’s Player delivered an 87.5 to claim the buckle and top share of the purse. Sharna Worsfold on Destinys Sonata finished second with 84, while 14-year-old Natalie Shea stole the spotlight in third on Willinga Park Gleams Destiny, making her the youngest finalist of the week.
The Pumps n Solar Novice Shootout was another crowd-pleaser. Dean Rogers on Martini stole the show with a 91, breaking Novice status in style. Andrew Turvey on Teles I’m Smooth, Robert Leach on Shirley Shiney and Barry Johnson on Rafa all posted 90s, but Rogers walked away with the buckle, $2,500 and a Made by Harls Saddle Pad.
Among the most meaningful moments of the week was the presentation of the Tom Strachan Memorial Cut Out Aggregate, a prize that carries enormous significance within the campdraft community. Awarded across all three rounds of the Power Contracting & Farming + Power Energy Open, it honours Tom’s legacy and his lasting impact on the sport. This year’s winner was Mat Holz on Eminem, whose consistent cut out work saw him crowned with the $5,000 prize and the Tom Strachan Memorial Quart Pot bronze, proudly supported by Rural Property & Livestock and Smithfield Feedlot.
Drafting for more than a score was what Friday night was all about. Roma Sands presented Joseph Maloney live from 7pm, setting the tone for the Syngap1 Auction and the Maiden for Maiden Calcutta. Riders and supporters bid hard, raising $5,700 for SYNGAP1 research and $6,400 for Meals on Wheels Wandoan — a reminder that campdrafting is as much about community as it is about competition.
None of it would have been possible without the tireless effort of the crew, volunteers and local community who kept things running from daylight to dark. With close to 2,500 head of Willinga Pastoral cattle drafted across six days, the action flowed smoothly thanks to everyone who pitched in — from the team on the ground to the families and supporters who helped wherever they were needed. It was proof that the success of the draft rests not only on good cattle and horses, but on the community that pulls together to make it happen.
Six days of drafting. Runoffs, records and roaring crowds. From the ‘90 Club’ to the youngest finalist at just 14, from the Open Final’s dramatic climax to a community that gave back — Willinga at Juandah Plains 2025 will be remembered as one of the great editions.
