Toowoomba’s turn as national cutting host
CUTTING: Toowoomba has ridden into the cutting spotlight this week with 300 of Australia’s leading competitors in town for the 2018 NCHA National Finals.
The week-long event continues at the showgrounds indoor arena until tomorrow afternoon, including a night session today.
The National Finals is the second-biggest event on the annual National Cutting Horse Association of Australia’s calendar and is regularly held at Tamworth’s elite AELEC facility.
But ongoing dry conditions on the Northern Tablelands and cattle sourcing difficulties have resulted in the event being transferred to Toowoomba for this year.
The biggest names in Australian cutting are amongst around 300 entries competing this week with the show a big factor in who can still win the 2018 national title.
Professional competitors include Jason Leitch, Phil Dawson, Corey Holden and Crows Nest’s Heath Sinclair.
Non-pro competitors includes Australia’s highest earner Amelia Servin, now based at Wandoan.
NCHA general manager Tim Heath said Toowoomba is a worthy hosting centre in the absence of Tamworth.
“I believe the nationals were held here many years ago but they’ve been staged at Tamworth since the building of the AELEC (Australian Livestock and Equine Events Centre). “It is a world-class facility. “Tamworth hosts our biggest Futurity which runs for two weeks with 6000 head of cattle and carries $700,000 in prize money.
“But with the tough drought conditions continuing down that way the decision was made to come to Toowoomba this year.
“The showgrounds is a good facility with a good arena surface and this region has a good cattle source.
“We thank Toowoomba Regional Council as well for its co-operation in bringing the event here.”
Today’s events include the Open Derby Final and non-pro Derby Final.
NCHA director of major shows Lori Mackay said tonight’s competition features “Grass Roots” junior riders.
“Our Grass Roots is aimed at introducing young riders from around four to 15 years to competition,” Mackay said.
“We use a mechanical cow and the youngsters are kept under a watchful eye in a safe environment.
“We have around 40 entries.”
Competition starts at 7am today and 8am tomorrow.
Spectator entry to this week’s competition is free. Catering facilities are available.