World champ and rookie ready

Debutant Kate Ferguson on Belle Rock rounds up a calf in preparation for next week’s Campdraft for Cancer festivities. Photo: Blainey Woodham

DEBUTANT Kate Ferguson will saddle up alongside two-time reigning champion Wayne Olive when next week’s Campdraft for Cancer rides into town.

The pair is part of a 60-strong Uki Sporting Horse Association contingent defending home soil from 120 of the region’s best horse handlers.

The third annual charity event has become a major feature on the Uki calendar in its three-year tenure, raising $28,000 for the Cancer Council NSW.

The two-day bash begins with a fundraising dinner at the clubhouse on the evening of March 27 (6pm) and closes with the main event, the Cloverdale Drought Master Stud Campdraft for Cancer (gold coin donations) the following day (9am).

They’ll be no horsing around in the ring either with the fast and furious sport always a crowd pleaser.

Riders have 40 seconds to attack the figure eight course in the most aggressive manner possible, with $1000 on the line for the rider who takes the best route and tightest lines.

“The standard of campdrafting is really high and I’m sure they’ll be plenty of people out to try and prevent Wayne getting a hat-trick,” USHA president Alan Boyd said.

“It’s always a good fun weekend. Everyone’s always excited to come back and we raise a lot of money for a good cause which is good.”

The March 27 dinner is $20 which includes a roast, raffles and auctions.

As all prizes, auction items and catering has been donated by Murwillumbah businesses, all money raised will go directly to the Cancer Council. Tables for the dinner are still available and for tickets contact Dot Walsh on (02) 6677 7239.

“Thanks all the cattle donors and sponsors,” Boyd said.