Gunnedah was treated to a sensational weekend of show driving earlier this month, described as “the best fun you can have sitting down”.
Almost 30 competitors turned out for the Tamworth Regional Show Driving Championships held at the Gunnedah Showgrounds over two days.
The championships rotate each year through different venues across the north west region – this time being Gunnedah.
Day one involved show driving classes which are judged on the presentation and display of horse, rider, vehicle, harness and general appearance. Day two featured the ‘Cones Spectacular’ where drivers and horses compete in different event types, all based around the cones which are weighted at the top. Winners are decided on a points’ score system.
Leading the charge at this year’s event was Scone-based driver Jane Morris.
Driving young stallion Dallu Tomas Jones in one of its first outings, the experienced competitor won the championships’ Supreme Harness Exhibit, under 14 hands. Ms Morris also won Pleasure Horse or Pony Champion and Champion Turnout categories as well. Meanwhile, Tamworth’s Karl Olsson won the Supreme Harness Exhibit 14 hands and over class, driving Soho Eros. He also won Champion light harness over 14 hands.
Competitors were judged by Denese Ward – an experienced adjudicator with royal show standing.
Tamworth Regional Show Driving Club president Liz O’Brien said the high level of competition was exceptional. She also thanked the many spectators from the Gunnedah community who attended across both days to watch the championships.
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