Report by Treasurer Helen Williams, Nilpinna Station
The small far northern South Australian town of William Creek, on the Oodnadatta Track, experienced a population explosion on the weekend of April 8th and 9th as people came from near and far for the 41 st annual Gymkhana. The weather was perfect with crowds being entertained by spirited riding in races and gymkhana events, and the two camel races provided the usual excitement with camels heading in all directions and stopping and starting all along the track. One of the highlights of the day was the Old Timers Race, when 76 year old outback identity “Whitey” entered and won the event – definitely our oldest jockey on the day.
Old Timers Race
Winner, Whitey
Cassie Sims, The Peake Station, and Laura Greenfield, Billa Kalina Station, tied for Leading Rider in the 9 and Under Section.
Cassie Sims, The Peake Station
Laura Greenfield, Billa Kalina Station
Chloe Nunn, Macumba Station won the Champion Junior Rider of the Day.
Chloe Nunn, Macumba Station
Champion Senior Rider of the Gymkhana was Greg Warren of Oodnadatta, and his horse Stubby took out the Leading Horse award.
The William Creek Cup was won by Richotto ridden by Justin Nunn and owned and trained by Gerry and Eddie Nunn and family, Macumba Station.
The William Creek Cup Winners, Richotto ridden by Justin Nunn
and owned and trained by Gerry and Eddie Nunn and family, Macumba Station.
The Macumba Syndicate was also victorious in the Dick Nunn Memorial Cup, taking all three places.
The Kerry Gum Roxby Hit Out over 800 metres was won by Robert and Lizzie Khan’s Compass Boy, ridden by Lizzie Crosby.
Life Membership was awarded to Normie and Stephi Sims of The Peake Station.
During the evening $5000 was donated to Royal Flying Doctor Service representative, Mr. Brendan Eblen.
Whyalla Band “Fine Form” entertained the crowd until the early hours of the morning.
Sunday morning saw plenty of noise and dust as competitors, both young and old, kicked their motor bikes into gear. There were a few spills and thrills before the events finally concluded with Eddie Rankin, The Twins Station winning the Champion Senior Rider and Jake and Ben Crozier , Anna Creek Station taking out the Under 9 and Junior Champion Riders respectively.
The Gymkhana Committee would like to thank everyone who helped out in any way with the weekend, and a big thank you to all those who came for the event, those who brought horses and competed and everyone who was so generous with the auctions etc.
Your generosity will enable us to keep making donations to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and other local charities.
Planning is now under way for the William Creek Bronco Branding on Saturday, September 9th, so keep that weekend free, come and join us for a great weekend!
MORE PHOTOS
Treasurer Helen Williams
Ph 0886707975
nilpinna@bigpond.com
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