THE first big event of Equitana attracted top class working horses for the Cutting Horse Championship.
The audience was vocal and when Teresa Russo's beautiful blue roan mare One Roan Peptos lost her third cow after a fabulous run there was a huge groan from the audience.
Scott Campbell's run on Highbrows Scarlett had the capacity crowd cheering as the bay mare went eyeball to eyeball with her calves for 149 points.
Right on her tail in second place was Rob Hodgeman and Stylish CD just one point behind and just a half point further back was Erin Flashy Rey and Aaron Wheately.
Young rider, Amelia Tonkin finished sixth in the open championship after taking out the non professional event on Tramps Destiny scoring 148 with Tracey Mcclurg's Tassas Stormy Roase and Sidney Myer's Jacks Envy Oak filling the minor places.
The Show Horse classes were held outdoors on the grass arena, and showed beautiful in the sunshine.
Royal Secret, Daizi Plumb and Karlana Opening Night Ava Halloran won the pony classes and Sanlirra Talk of the Town ridden by Bryony Payne was the winning Galloway.
Dale Plumb won the hack class with DP Amazing. Hunter winners included Bev Richards' Dymondz and Elizabeth Greshner's Beaupark Exquizite.
The Arabian Horse Breeders Australasian Cup Finals attracted a good crowd on the grass arena in the afternoon.
Vanessa Crossland's Arkhon was champion gelding.
Temar Arabians' Temar Mahavee was champion colt.
Naomi Schofield Silver white stallion, IBN Picasso pleased the judge who described him, "a combination of beauty and utility as befits an Arabian Stallion".
He won the stallion championship and was the overall High Point winner.
