Riders are competing for more than $200,000 cash and prizes at the  annual Landmark Classic Campdraft and Sale,  Andrew Acciarito, the National Livestock Operations Analyst for Landmark, said.

“With a huge increase in entries in all of the campdraft and challenge events, the event has extended an extra day,” he said.

“Martins Stock Haulage Campdraft had three top scores of 91 to have a three way tie for first position after the first round – Tim Hollis from Tamworth riding Adios Venus, Mick Cole from Nebo (Queensland)  riding Cats Royalle and Brent Smyth from Bendemeer riding Luckenough Paradise”

The Open Campdraft is open for any vendor or purchaser of the previous Classic Sale and $20,000 in cash & prizes.

The first 174 runs of the 2015 Classic sponsored by Landmark completed the program for the first day, with Felicity Burton from south east Queensland having a smashing start on her horse, JR Elsola Rey, with 92 points.

 Tied for second position was Troy Palmer from Coolah riding Binnia Barina and Peter Boulton riding Peelvale Conduct on 90 points.

Organisers were pleased with the first day’s proceedings and a great start to an event they believe pulls $7 million into the Tamworth regional economy.

The Classic Campdraft and Sale ends Sunday.

Some 580 horses will be sold at the Landmark Sale beginning Friday and running three days.

Many of the campdrafting finals will be held Thursday with the finals presentation and main final Friday night.