ARRAN Houlden, Hewitt Cattle Company, is the 2016 golden spurs campdraft champion following the narrowest of victories at the Australian Pastoral Company Muster at Caldervale, Tambo, on the weekend.
Houlden set the early pace with an accomplished 86 point ride on Saturday, then upped the ante the next day with an 88.5 effort - setting up a thrilling finish in the process.
His combined 174.5 points meant one competitor only - Georgina Pastoral Company's Angus Rains on 84.5 points, riding 45th out of a field of 48 was still in the hunt.
He responded in style with an 88.5 ride under pressure and total of 173 to finish in outright second.
ACC's Jack Breed was third with rides of 78 and 87 for 165.
Brodie Land, Hewitt Cattle Company, won the junior draft with scores of 81.5 and 80 for 161.5 points, while Josie Bateman, Australian Cattle and Beef Holdings claimed the ladies.
RESULTS
- Golden spurs campdraft, individual: 1, Arran Houlden, Hewitt Cattle Company; 2, Angus Rains, Georgina Pastoral Company; 3, Jack Breed, ACC.
- Golden spurs, ladies: 1, Josie Bateman, ACBH.
- Golden spurs, junior: 1, Brodie Land, Hewitt Cattle Company.
- Golden spurs, team: 1, Hewitt Cattle Company; 2, ACC; 3, Georgina.
- Bosses draft: 1, NAPCO; 2, Georgina; 3, Georgina.