One hundred and thirty pony clubbers from various parts of NSW and the ACT attended the Michelago Pony Club (MPC) two-day sporting gymkhana held at Bredbo on the weekend. Organisers said despite the wet weather entries were significantly up on last year.

Gymkhana coordinator Graeme Plath said 148 entries were initially received, which was up from 110 last year. Due to inclement weather this year there were some late scratchings.

Mr Plath said heavy rain on Friday

did not dampen enthusiasm and the

regular bogging of cars and trucks proved a spectacle.

“Once again the event was well supported by local Bredbo businesses, the Bredbo Progress Association and the Cooma-Monaro Shire Council. MPC is very thankful for their support,” Mr Plath said.

Forest Hills dominated proceedings winning the Clear Range Sporting Trophy that is awarded to the most successful club. The cup was presented by local council members Jenny Lawless and Martin Hughes, each of whom has been supportive of this event for several years.

Special awards were made by local barrel racing identity Michelle O’Neill and sponsor Max McMahon to the fastest barrel racer and fastest bondfield bounce racer of the weekend. They were Caroline Day of Forest Hills and Steph McKillop of Forest Hills.

The highlight of the gymkhana was the Saturday afternoon flag spectacular. The 25 fastest riders from the morning’s flag event ran off in five heats to determine five finalists. The five finalists competed for the Man from Snowy River Medallion. The cream rose to the top with the final comprising five of the six fastest flag

riders of the day. Gareth Farmer, of Muswellbrook was first to cross the line followed by his brother Rhys. Seasoned spectators said it was the best flag race ever witnessed.