General News
16 July, 2025
Smith superb to claim Cloncurry Stockman's Challenge
The result came down to the wire, with just a quarter of a point separating the top two.
Gracemere competitor Josh Smith has added a third Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge win to his superb CV in the saddle, taking out the top prize by the narrowest of margins.
Smith combined with stallion G Im A Playboy, on behalf of owners Nathan and Suzie Titmus, to claim victory by a quarter of a point over Scott Schoo and Metallic Moore.
Smith joins a small group of elite riders in the history books who have three Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge titles to their name, commenting that his third win was “the most nerve racking”.
“I’d like to thank my lovely wife Danielle – she’s always in the background keeping everything going, and my parents David and Raelene. We wouldn’t have what we do if it wasn’t for them,” the talented rider said.
Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge president Vince Wall commended Josh on his horsemanship and G Im A Playboy’s display of athleticism and ability.
“Josh was a standout in what was an incredibly tough field of competition this year,” he said.
“The level of talent was exceptional through the two phases and final, with incredibly close scores reflecting this – it came right down to the last run.”
Another hotly contested event decided in an exciting final on Saturday was the AJ McDonald Memorial Encouragement Challenge, which was won by young Monto competitor Lucy Southern on Jesses Starlight with a score of 312.
Her sister Bella was also thrilled with second place in the Novice A Campdraft and a beautiful Mick Connolly trophy saddle for the 2025 Rising Star Award.
Another sister duo who proved a force was Hughenden’s Jaimee and Taylor Mills.
Jaimee took out both Juvenile Campdraft and Youth Challenge, while younger sister Taylor added to the buckle count with success in the Junior Challenge.
In the campdraft events, Will Durkin won the Jim Telford Memorial Open Campdraft on Durkins Jewel, Bec Hayes was the Jim Magoffin Memorial Ladies Champion on Shaydack Audi, and local competitor Sophie Robertson won the Junior Campdraft on Wicked.
Muttaburra’s Jaye Hall and daughter Madison were first and second in the Novice B on Sunday, while Ben Stanger took out the coveted Local Maiden Campdraft.