ONCE again Bethungra’s Simon Dodwell has proven himself against the best of the best at the Warwick Rodeo and Campdraft.
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The family made their way to Queensland last week for the annual draft, Australia’s largest and most prestigious, to compete in several events.
Simon was selected to represent the Southern Campdraft Association in the Pryde’s EasiFeed National Championship Rider of Australia Challenge.
Five riders from each region across the country battled it out for the national title over three rounds.
Simon won two of three rounds and finished runner-up overall to Goondiwindi’s Ben Hall, who he calls “the best”.
Ben comes from one of Australia’s most successful drafting families and is himself a three-time winner of the Gold Cup, known as the Melbourne Cup of campdrafting.
“That’s the company we’re in at Warwick, there’s no shame in running fourth or fifth,” Simon said.
His stallion Wallabah Excel was named champion cut out horse with a top cut out of 24, from a possible maximum score of 26.
Simon and Excel again teamed up in the Maydan Feedlot Champion of Champions, finishing equal fourth.
The highlight for Simon though came in the Gold Cup on Cut em Loose.
He entered Excel, Tasso’s Diva and Cut em Loose, and in the first round achieved a cut out score of 23 with the latter.
This placed them equal first with 22 of the 876 competitors in the cut out.
From there they entered a run off, scoring 24 to remain at the top with Beaudesert’s Kimberley Salmon.
Simon was unlucky to draw a tough beast in the final run off and finish runner up for the $1000 top cut out prize.
Simon had no luck in the second round of the Gold Cup, or in the Canning Downs, but nonetheless walked away happy after a successful and enjoyable week.
“They’re good blokes those northern fellas,” Simon said.
“It’s all good hearted. They’re there to win and it’s serious when you’re doing the job, but they don’t take it to heart.”
Simon’s wife Debbie also entered the ladies Silver Cup, whilst their daughter Jess enjoyed her first time competing in Warwick.
The Dodwells next travel to Deb’s hometown to compete in the Corryong Campdraft from November 7-8.
It’s been a solid start to the season so far for the family.
Since their home event in Illabo they’ve had success in Tarcutta; Simon winning two opens, Deb finishing fourth in the maiden, Brooke fourth in the juvenile and Jess reaching the open finals.
