7 October, 2025

New campdraft mare to the team, Coolum Ovation, made her debut at Swan Hill on the weekend, coming home with 3rd place in the Maiden B, having run an 84 (20 60 4) and an 86 (19 63 4). Ovation shows immense talent across disciplines, having previously played A grade Polocrosse and jumped over 1 metre. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s ahead for this talented mare.

Ovation is by Westons Yakka (2010 Warwick Stallion Campdraft winner) and out of Coolum Omen (multiple open campdraft, challenge and working champion), making her a maternal sister to Jason and Katie Birney‘s successful Open Campdraft mare Coolum Liberty, Ben Newbury’s Open Campdraft stallion Coolum Quartz, and John Lyons’ open campdraft mare Coolum Dream (dam of open campdraft stallion Coolum Recon).

Thanks as always to the talented David Murphy from Murphy Performance Horses, you have Ovation working cattle beautifully. Thanks also to Swan Hill & District Campdraft Club Inc, the cattle donors, and sponsors.