Hi Pryde's Team,
After several inches of winter (out of season) rain, Paradise Lagoons Campdraft was postponed 3 weeks, which meant that it was set to occur right in the middle of our run of NSW clinics. We had to reschedule 3 clinics, coordinate a couple of flights and leave the truck and trailer at home with 18 competition horses in work with Bryony and her helpful offsider Repete.
Pete flew into Mackay on the Wednesday the 10th, drove to Westpoint, loaded up 18 horses, and we drove 4.5 hours to Paradise, where we finally set up and went to bed at about 1am. We then had to get going about 4am as Pete had to work all his horses before the 7am start. Pete had 22 runs on Thursday, which was a very solid and successful day. Friday we continued on in the same form. Saturday we had another big day, but, with a bit of hard luck, we found that our numbers started to fall, so on Sunday (the day of finals) saw us with only 5 runs.......!
Against all odds, and limited preparation, Pete still came through, as usual!!! He won the Novice on Brittany (9 yo mare out of Roanies Chex, by Conman), then ran the Australian Open off with her sister Paris (9 yo mare out of Roanies Chex, by Acres Destiny). Paris ended up with 3rd after a tricky runoff with Mac Shann and Steve Comiskey.
Other ribbons included a 6th in the futurity, and 6th in the stallion draft.
Both Pete and myself rode in the State of origin - however I was in the NSW team - and NSW won!!! Pete had a very impressive 88.5 on Harry and I had an 88 on CD Catt.... So this was a highlight to the end of our massive week. It really is an adrenalin rush competing in 3 arenas at once and then to top it off with some success!!!
Pete will resume his run of clinics through NSW on Thursday, back to winter!! He will have 6 clinics left before he returns home to prepare for the Condamine, Chinchilla, Warwick run.
Thanks again for all your continued help and support.
Regards Pete Comiskey Campdrafting
Pete, Bryony and Repete!