The two-day draft attracted 811 riders from all corners of the state.

“That’s the biggest year we’ve had,” club vice president Troy Clarke said.

The Maules Creek club committee has faced challenging years in recent times including one when they were forced to cancel due to drought and lack of stock. They have also copped the other end of the stick and had to postpone the draft due to rain.

“This year is still pretty dry,” Clarke added.

“Fortunately the community really got behind us which has been great.”

This year it was Inverell competitor Robert Neville riding Quest who took out top honours in the Open draft.

The Northern Tablelands rider has been in top form and came within a whisker of taking out the Glencoe Campdraft earlier this month as well.

One point behind Neville in the Open at Maules Creek was Tammy Nairne on Blackjack.

Third was John Hitchcock riding Lincoln on 168 points who edged out Jess Sammon on Pistol Packin Lena on 167.

Novice competitors Sam Knight and Steve Creighton finished tied on equal points after their initial runs, forcing a run-off to determine the winner.

In the end it was Knight riding Daniel Cheers’ horse Roddick who emerged the better against Creighton on Mingo in the run-off.

Troy Clarke riding O’Sally and Peter Bullen on Darcy claimed equal third-fourth place, meanwhile Troy’s wife, Sally, took out the restricted open on Style.

In other events, Rhys Angland on Rosewood won the encouragement draft. It is the fourth consecutive year Rosewood has won this event.

Jason Birney claimed the maiden riding Coolum Liberty; Tammy Nairne the ladies event on Lace, while Dylan McKinnon riding Gift took out the junior draft and Angus Capel on Bell the juvenile.  

Next up on the competition calendar is the Geurie Golden Bit Campdraft this Easter long weekend.

The Geurie event features the richest ladies draft in Australia with $15,000 in prizemoney on offer.