WESTERN District Campdraft Association celebrated its 50th anniversary at the weekend and Casterton district riders joined the celebrations, bringing home a swag of success.


Up-and-coming riders led the charge, taking the top five places in Friday’s junior draft, Glenelg Pony Club’s Matilda Mercer (pictured) and her mount, Black Boots, backing it up with another first place in the Saturday junior draft. 


The ribbons did not stop there, however, with fellow cub member, Ed Whinney and Oscar taking out second place, Henty’s Ruby James with Thistlehiil Breeze and Thistlehill Flight, taking out third and fourth, respectively.


Another Glenelg Pony Clubber, Evie McDonald, rounded out the stellar results, jumping on Flo to take out fifth.


The Mercer name was also represented in the Juvenile Draft, Matilda’s brother Harry on Gilbert – also with an 87 – drawing for first place with his mate from down the road at Hawkesdale, Darcy Dell and Kitty.


The pair was forced into a run-off, Harry taking the win.


And Glenelg Pony Club was again in the placings mix, with Will Templeton placing sixth in a huge field of riders.


The local kids were again in the top riders on Saturday and it was Matilda and Black Boots top scoring with 79 to take the day’s junior title and right behind her, Ed Whinney, while Ruby James and Breeze placed seventh.


Strathdownie’s Sally McDonald was also in the winners on Saturday, taking a win four years in the making when she and Woody teamed-up to score an impressive 85 and take-out the Encourage.


David Mara and his buckskin, Yoghurt, also enjoyed a great day in the arena, scoring 88 in both the Maiden A first run and the final to take second place, overall.


The final day’s riding saw Ruby James take the win she had been waiting for, with Flight and Breeze taking second and third places, respectively, in the day’s Junior Drafts.