Nutrien’s Simon Booth said the depth of talent on display across the 2026 Nutrien Supreme Campdraft and Challenge events highlighted both the strength of emerging competitors and the consistency of established performers.
“When you look at the young talent coming through, riders like Baylee Evans, Georgia Maben and Justin Smith, and see them competing alongside proven names such as Jane Lee, Matt Boland and David Gillett, it really reinforces that the performance horse industry is in very good hands,” Mr Booth said.
He said it had also been particularly rewarding to see horses sold through Nutrien sales returning to compete at a high level.
“There’s a real sense of continuity when you see horses that have come through this sale, and other Nutrien sales, being campaigned successfully here. It shows the strength of the product and the opportunities these sales create for both vendors and buyers.”
Mr Booth said Nutrien remained committed to providing a platform that supports both competition and commerce within the industry.
“Providing a stage for vendors to showcase their horses and for competitors to perform is something we take very seriously. These events play an important role in keeping the industry active, connected and progressing.”
“This is our biggest catalogue to date, and despite broader uncertainties, we were confident in proceeding because of the role we play in supporting the performance horse sector and ensuring its continued growth.”
2026 Dalgety Rosevale 2yo Challenge
Held on Thursday night, it was Baylee Evans aboard Metallic Serene who took out the win on 239.5 in the 2026 Dalgety Rosevale 2yo Challenge.
A conmark filly, Metallic Serene was purchased at the 2025 Nutrien Supreme Sale for $34,000 by A & J Lamb.
“It’s an event that has been on my bucket list to win,” said Baylee speaking about her victory. And she has nothing but praise about the lovely filly she has the pleasure of riding.
“She’s an exceptional filly, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to ride her.”
Final results:
1. Baylee Evans on Metallic Serene – 239.5
2. Brook Hazlett on Metalized – 238.00
3. Georgia Maben on Loaded Tic Tac – 236.75
4. Baylee Evans on JLH Let Her Purr – 227.50
5. Scott Keogh on Benalla Philair – 226.75
2026 Auctions plus 5 year old and under challenge
She led heading into the wet work final, and with brilliant run Georgia Maben aboard WIitherdins Lou Lou cemented her position at the top of the leaderboard in the 2026 Auctions Plus 5yo & Under Challenge.
Purchased out of the 2022 Fountain Of Youth Sale as a yearling, Lou Lou was originally meant for Mum but Georgia has since taken the reins.
“She’s very special and always been a favourite,” said Georgia about the mare.
Witherdins Lou Lou is by the well-known One Knight Stand and out of Wellsdale Coals Music.
Speaking of her win Georgia said it was “very special” to be taking out the competition.
Final Results:
1. Georgia Maben on WITHERDINS LOU LOU – 372
2. Leah Read on CALL ME DADDY – 362.75
3. Leah Read on HASSETS ELREY – 362
4. Dan Steers on BINGLEY OLIVIA – 356.075
5. Leah Read on STYLISH PEACHES – 354.5
6. Huon Smith on BOONARA XPORT – 348.75
2026 Nutrien Supreme 5yo & Under Campdraft
Matt Boland and Dandilla Ex Ray have taken out the 2026 Nutrien Supreme 5yo & Under Campdraft, lifting from third place after round one with a strong 87-point final run to secure the win.
The gelding, purchased as a yearling through the sale, continues to develop into a promising young performance horse.
“We bought him as a yearling out of this sale… he’s been a real pleasure to ride and muster on, and he’s coming together quite nicely,” Matt said.
Reflecting on the result, Matt said it was rewarding to see the next generation of horses stepping up.
“It’s a pretty good feeling. It’s good to see your young horses doing well.” Dandilla Ex Ray is by Excel and out of an Acres Destiny mare.
Final Results:
1. Matt Boland on DANDILLA EX RAY – 176
2. Justin Smith on BENNY BLACK – 174
3. Matt Rynne on SUNREYSYA – 170
4. Joel Hill on LADYBROOK MIGHTY STYLISH – 168
5= Cameron Bond on SOMERSET LYNETTE – 167
5= Claudia Spencer on YAGONEYA SHINES LIKE ELEGANCE – 167
A special mention also to Justin Smith on Benny Black, who was awarded the highest scoring AQHA combination, with both owner and breeder receiving $1,000 each.
2026 Lemontree Feedlot Masters Campdraft
A tight contest unfolded in the 2026 Lemontree Feedlot Masters Campdraft, with David Gillett aboard J B and Brad Vidler on Blu Boon Kitty locked together on 90 points after the first round.
With everything to play for in the final, it was David Gillett who edged ahead, securing the win aboard J B with an aggregate score of 168.
Purchased at this sale 12 months ago, J B continues to deliver for Gillett in the competition arena.
“I bought him here last year… and I couldn’t be happier with how he’s going,” David said. Reflecting on the result, he said the win was a rewarding one.
“I’m over the moon with it, really good. It’s been a great week.”
Final Results:
1. David Gillett on J B – 168
2. Brad Vidler on BLU BOON KITTY – 111
3. Brad Vidler on ONE MOORE NO MOORE – 108
4= Ned Hay on KARLU LUCIFER – 103
4= Lachlan Darr on RYNNES HEIDI – 103
2026 Shanahan’s Livestock Open Campdraft
It was a six-way tie on 90 heading into the final round of the 2026 Shanahan’s Livestock Transport Open Campdraft, setting the stage for a high-pressure finish. Sitting just one point off the pace, Baylee Evans returned to the arena determined to make her move.
A near-perfect 91-point run aboard COMBATANT saw her surge to the top of the leaderboard, with the pair holding on to claim the win on an aggregate of 180.
Purchased out of the Nutrien Supreme Sale three years ago, Wombat, as he is affectionately known, and Baylee are building an undeniably strong partnership.
“He’s a seven-year-old Conman stallion… he actually won his first draft a couple of weeks ago,” Baylee said.
Reflecting on the win, Baylee kept it simple. “Very exciting… very lucky.”
Final Results:
1. Baylee Evans on COMBATANT – 180
2= Ben Tapp on DONT LOOK BACK – 178
2= Susan Danastas on HALLS SMICK RIO – 178
2= Steve Comiskey on ONE KNIGHT STAND – 178
3= Fiona Davison on ETTENBAR EVASIVE – 176
3= Ben Tapp on TELES I’M SMOOTH – 176
3= Marcus Curr on LEGACY – 1764= Grace Roth on SMOOTH TALKIN ROOKIE – 175
4= Rylee Turner on TURNERMARKS UMPIRE – 175
2026 Black Truck Sales Novice Campdraft
Rounding out the final night was the 2026 Black Truck Sales Novice Campdraft. Joe Maher was leading the way aboard EBS First Cut on a 92 heading into the final but when his beast had other ideas out in the arena it opened up the field, making it anyone’s game.
With one combination to run there was a three way tie for first place. Jane summed up the run perfectly when chatting post presentation – “I was like, I’m last out, last event, I’m going to finish this on a 90 or nothing” – and that she did.
By a homebred CONMAN colt, BAR NONE CONISEUR, MAY B has been a consistent performer for the Lee family.
“She’s been an honest, reliable mare for us” says Jane of MAY B who will now be passed over to her son to campaign.
Final Results:
1. Jane Lee on BAUHINIA MAY B – 178
2= Zoey Young on KIRKBYS STUD ICON – HSH – 175
2= William Goetsch on ONE STYLISH MISS – 175
2= Terry Dwan on A LIL SMOOTH – 175
3= Zak O’Brien on NEIRBO NICOLETTE – 173
3= Darrin Jones on MITCHELLS CONTUCKY – 173
3= Ben Tapp on TELES I’M SMOOTH – 173
4. Steve Comiskey on SALTWATER FIVE METALLIC ACRES – 171
5. Marcus Curr on INDIANAS CONSTANCE – 170
Source: Nutrien Supreme press release/Kyla Street
