Michael Hiscock wins the Volkswagen World Championship Gold Buckle Campdraft and takes home the record campdrafting prize

The 2021 Volkswagen World Championship Gold Buckle Campdraft can only be described as an overwhelming success. Across the three days of competition, Willinga Park in Bawley Point, NSW saw more than 5000 people watch Australia’s finest campdrafters battle it out for the coveted Gold Buckle and the $100,000 grand prize, the richest purse in campdraft history. Spectators were treated to three beautiful days of weather, fine food and superb entertainment culminating in the hotly contested final.

Competitors came as far as Nebo and Muttuburra in Queensland travelling some 22 hours to take part in this years competition. Of the 210 riders and their 445 horses, 97 riders were taken into the SemiFinal on the last day of competition, with 27 of those proving they had the skill to make the Grand Final.

Michael Hiscock, riding Mewburn Tip Top, all the way from Maffra in Victoria, put together superb back to back rounds of 91 and 90.33 for a combined aggregate score of 181.33. That was enough to prove he had what it took to become the 2021 Gold Buckle champion.

Troy Palmer, riding Binnia Impressive Destiny and Jabell Shekera Spin came in second and third place respectively once again proving he is a mihghty force to be reckoned with in the campdrafting world.

The 2021 Feature Cut Out Final was won by Andrew Turvey riding Cat N Roses with the highest possible score of 25 points. This year also saw the inclusion of two brand new events. The inaugural Ladies Dash for Cash was won by Coco Willsallen riding Yellow Miss in a two-way run off. Whilst the State of Origin competition had the crowds on their feet with team NSW consisting of Troy Palmer, Sarah Cookson and Hugh Miles taking out the honors.

At midday on Saturday, the final was broadcast live on 7TWO.

“We are really amazed with the numbers this year. 210 riders with 440 horses and over 1,150 runs across the three days, not to mention the crowds! The Campdraft arena was at capacity on Saturday with both grandstands full. And we were able to showcase all of it at Willinga Park on live free-to-air television,” says Terry Snow of Willinga Park.

About Willinga Park

Willinga Park is a world-class equestrian centre set on 41 Hectares of the NSW South Coast.

Combining stunning architecture, sculptures, and a native botanical garden, it houses the latest in equine technology, has been home to numerous equine sporting events including the first-ever CDI 4* Dressage competition in the Southern Hemisphere. It has been used as a film set and for photo shoots. Its facilities include luxury stables, commercial cattle stud facilities and extensive facilities for the agistment and training of horses. Willinga Park also has Hereford cattle with some of the best breeding in the country. Each year, Willinga Park hosts several community-wide events and premier equine sporting competitions across dressage, showjumping and campdrafting. Willinga Park fully supports Australia’s athletes across equestrian disciplines and aims to fully support past and future Australian Olympians.

For more information contact:
Melissa Anderson | Willinga Park | 0458 200 525|
m.anderson@canberraairport.com.au