Trudy Wilson, Demi D’Addona, Hailey Jaszczyszyn and Jaylarni Harrigan celebrate their individual performances in the RSL Memorial Club open barrel race at the first Cooktown Horse Sports Association event of the year on Saturday. Photo: Supplied.
The riding was red-hot when competitors saddled up for the first Cooktown Horse Sports Association (CHSA) event of 2024 on Saturday morning.
Cooktown Racecourse came alive with the thump of hooves for the showdown, with CHSA members pitting themselves and their horses against a range of disciplines throughout the day.
The feature event on the card was the RSL Memorial Club open barrel race, which was available for riders who had competed in five events before they saddled up to chase the $400 prize purse.
Hailey Jaszczyszyn took the crown after the dust settled, with Demi D’Addona (second place) and Trudy Wilson (third place) also impressing as Jaylarni Harrigan claimed the mystery time prize.
Kath Russell, Mackenzie Young, Maddie Case and Clay Harrigan secured encouragement awards during their first competitive outing of the season.
CHSA president Sarah Frew hailed the event a success, and said the club was now turning its focus towards its next competition on 15-16 June.
“It was great turnout, with many local riders and even a few from down south,” she said.
“Thank you to all our sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to hold these events without them.
“Our next event will be the Horse and Hound Show on the 15th and 16th of June.”
Pint-sized Peyton Seagren is too cute for words as she shows off her collection of ribbons in for the led classes at Cooktown Racecourse on 25 May. Photo: Supplied.
Cooktown Horse Sports Association members Kath Russell and Mackenzie Young show off their encouragement award prizes after Saturday’s competition. Photo: Supplied.
