THE annual Ray White Epic Horse Sale and Campdraft, to be held on 5-8 May at the Armidale Exhibition Centre, has expanded to include a 107-performance horse line-up in 2022, up more than 20 lots on its record-breaking event last year. 

Blake O’Reilly, Ray White Armidale, said the bourgeoning sale had grown year-on-year since inception and cemented its place as a leading equine auction and sporting event. 

“Already, the horses booked in to be sold are being prepared by well-regarded trainers and boast premium bloodlines which are well known for creating champions in the campdraft, challenge and cutting arenas,” Mr O’Reilly said. 

“Last year, we complemented the sale with StockLive for the first time which broadened the buying pool, and we saw horses head to states right across Australia.

“This has also now allowed us to develop the auction further.”

In 2021, prices peaked at $30,000 for a stylish 15-hands-high chestnut mare, One Moore Gift, offered by TC and LE McCarthy. 

The average for mares lifted by more than $5,000 compared to the previous sale to reach a record of $10,566, while the gelding average was close behind at $10,210.

In total, 20 lots were purchased via StockLive, including Hunter View Rhyme, a three-year-old black mare offered by Warwick and Fiona Lawrence purchased for $27,000 by Drew and Sally Stevenson.

Across the four-day event, more than 1000 people tuned in to StockLive’s live simulcast, which included coverage of the preworks, auction and campdraft. 

This year, Mr O’Reilly said a big screen would be constructed at the Armidale Exhibition Centre so onlookers also had the chance to watch StockLive’s professional broadcast in real time. 

“It will be similar to the screen you see during NRL games and provide an instant replay giving spectators on the day an improved viewing experience,” Mr O’Reilly said. 

To capture smooth and complete footage of campdraft competitors, StockLive uses multiple camera operators strategically placed to ensure both the cut-out yard and fast-paced outside runs are showcased for viewers.  

The campdrafting program has also been broadened, and this year will include the Infinity Campdraft, a special competition eligible to horses aged five years and older which have been purchased through the Ray White Epic Horse Sale and Campdraft.

“We are confident this draft will become a legacy event and will provide a great incentive for buyers who purchase through our sale to come back and compete in a special event,” Mr O’Reilly said. 

Once again, the campdraft has been supported by a superb range of cattle donors, and each separate draft will have a consistent single line of stock to improve the fairness of the overall competition. 

Looking ahead to the May event, Mr O’Reilly was anticipating high-scoring runs during the campdraft and fierce bidding competition at the sale. 

“Partnering with StockLive has provided our four days of competition and auction a point of difference, and looking ahead we are confident we can continue to grow our event to, hopefully, one day have a sale offering of 200 horses,” Mr O’Reilly said. 

For more information about the Ray White Epic Horse Sale and Campdraft visit here