Glory and One Hell of a Ride: Wrapping Up the 2025 Ringers Western Gold Buckle Campdraft

If there’s one place that truly captures the spirit of the bush, it’s Willinga Park during Gold Buckle week. And if there’s one event we’re proud to stand behind, it’s this one—the 2025 Ringers Western Gold Buckle Campdraft Championship.

We’ve been part of this event for years now. But every May, it still hits us the same: big runs, bigger crowds, and a show of skill and heart that reminds us why we back campdrafting with everything we’ve got.

This year’s Championship was one for the books—from record-breaking scores to new event formats and some of the toughest competition we’ve seen yet. And through it all, the same values that drive us at Ringers—grit, mateship, loyalty, and respect for tradition—were on full display.

A Stage Like No Other

Held from 14–17 May at the stunning Willinga Park in Bawley Point, this year’s event drew over 200 riders from across Australia—Queensland to Victoria and everywhere in between. With more than $400,000 in cash and prizes on the table, it wasn’t just about showing up. It was about showing up ready.

This wasn’t just another campdraft. With the Gold Buckle title alone offering $100,000 in prize money, it’s the richest event of its kind in the country. And it showed—every run had weight, every final had edge, and every moment had meaning.

Hugh Miles Takes the Buckle

Let’s talk about the main event.

Hugh Miles and Vintage Whiskey put on a clinic in the Open Gold Buckle Final, taking the win with a stunning 181.5. Miles had five horses in the final (yep, five), and still managed to place sixth on another mount, Summa Reyn.

Coming in just a whisker behind was none other than Pete Comiskey on ROY. The pair put on a masterclass across the week, stacking up a near-flawless run of scores to not only take out second place overall but also earn the Highest Aggregate across the entire event. When you’re that consistent over four rounds, the numbers speak for themselves.

The class? World-class. The competition? As tight as you’ll ever see. Third to tenth place featured the likes of Tim Hollis, Troy Palmer, Evan Hiscock, Wyatt Young, and Jon Templeton—names that speak for themselves.

More Finals, More Thrills

We were especially excited to support this year’s expanded program. The addition of the Maiden Horse Shoot Out, Novice Horse Shoot Out, and the Terry Snow Memorial Restricted Open made for a fuller, fiercer competition week.

• David Thorn and One Hellofa Time took out the Novice Horse Shoot Out with a slick 89.5.

• Skye Sylvester earned her first Willinga Park win in the Ladies Dash for Cash, doubling down on back-to-back 88s.

• Rob Leach and Hazelwood Congressman took the inaugural Terry Snow Memorial Restricted Open, earning the win with a sharp 91—and the honour of receiving a handcrafted bronze trophy in tribute to the late Terry Snow’s legacy.

We’d be lying if we said we weren’t holding our breath during the Feature Cut-Out Final. A three-way tie led to a dramatic run-off, and it was Troy Palmer on Bluetoonz who came out on top.

From the Junior Draft (shoutout to back-to-back champ Henry Mitchell) to live music under the stars, this year’s event had all the highs—and none of the fluff.

The Heart Behind the Buckle

To us, this event is more than a comp—it’s a community. It’s families gathered around panels. It’s kids on the rails dreaming of their first run. It’s handshakes, calloused hands, late nights, early mornings. And it’s respect—between horse and rider, mates and rivals, and everyone who makes events like this happen.

At Ringers, we wear our values on our sleeves—literally. So seeing all the judges, riders, and Willinga staff proudly kitted out in Ringers Western gear? That hits home.

As Naming Rights Sponsor, we don’t just hang a logo and call it a day. We bring our Bull Truck on-site, we run activations, and we get amongst it. And with our founders James and Emma there to present awards, speak on stage, and connect with the riders and crowd—it’s as real as it gets.

Willinga Park: The Perfect Partner

If you’ve ever been to Willinga Park, you’ll know it’s not your average venue. It’s world-class. And the crew behind it? All heart.

From the manicured grounds to the smooth operation of every final, the team at Willinga make it easy to show up and shine. We’re proud to have supported this event for three years running, with over $300,000 in sponsorship and contra contributed to date.

Sure, the signs, the merch, the coverage—it's all part of the package. But the real reason we keep showing up? It’s because what Willinga Park stands for matches what we believe in. Grit, integrity, and doing right by your people. That’s what keeps us coming back.

Thank You

To the riders—seriously, what a show.
And to everyone behind the panels and up in the box… the ones hauling gear, calling scores, moving cattle, keeping things ticking—you lot don’t get nearly enough credit. But without you, none of it runs.

To Willinga Park—thanks for setting the bar so high.

And to everyone who tuned in via the Willinga Park livestream, visited the Bull Truck, or cheered on your mates from the rail—thank you for keeping the campdrafting community strong.

We'll see you next year. Same venue. Same passion. Same promise: to always back the people who give their all.

Team Ringers Western
Proud Sponsor of the 2025 Gold Buckle Campdraft