Just In > Mike Pritchard named 40th Scone Horse Festival VIP

Mike Pritchard named 40th Scone Horse Festival VIP

Filed in Just In by Taylah Fellows May 11, 2021

CHAMPAGNE, canapes and candlelight filled the Arrowfield Stud pavilion on Friday night, as equine lovers came together to celebrate the beginning of the 40th Scone Horse Festival.

After missing out last year due to Covid-19, horse festival enthusiasts were excited to mingle and celebrate the three award recipients; Young Achiever of the Year, Horse of the Year and the 2021 Horse Festival VIP.

Photo gallery and video below.

Ashley Randle, Young Achiever of the Year:

Upper Hunter Shire Council Manager of Business David Gatwood who organised and hosted the event, had to read through Ashley Randle’s long list of achievements a number of times before announcing her award on Friday night.

“How can someone so young achieve so much?” said Mr Gatwood.

Ms Randle has “grown up in the saddle” specialising in eventing, which she has been crowned State Champion in twice. Ashley is also a keen competitor in the ‘King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge’ and in 2020, was the only lady to qualify for the novice final, finishing fourth against the men.

She is an avid clay target shooter, competing overseas in the United States of America for the past three years and was also selected to represent her school at the Australian Stock Horse Nationals.

Alongside her constant flow of equine and rodeo achievements, Ms Randle is studying a bachelor of early education, completing instructor certificates through both the Pony Club and Equestrienne Australia, working three part time jobs and managing horses on her family farm.

She thanked the Scone Horse Festival for honouring her with the Young Achiever of the Year award, saying it was special to be recognised in her home town.

“I’d like to thank mum and dad and my family for all of their support and encouragement in everything that I do,” said Ms Randle.

Jane and Malcom Kennedy and their horse Jabell Shekera Spin, Horse of the Year:

Jane and Maclom Kennedy purchased Jabell Shekera Spin in 2013 and during that same year, she won the ladies category at the Tamworth Campdraft with a near perfect score of 99.

Jabell Shekera Spin then went on to win the open at the Scone Campdraft in 2014 and was named the Australian Quarter Horse Association High Campdraft Horse of the Year.

In 2015, she one round two of the Warrick Gold Cup, with a round one score of 89. In 2019 she was crowned the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association Nationals Open Final Horse of the Year.

At this years Sydney Royal Show she won two major events including the Duke of Gloucester Perpetual Cup and the World Campdraft Championship.

When accepting the Horse of the Year, owner Jane Kennedy said, “it’s an absolute honour, she so deserves it.”

“It’s been a whirlwind ride, a bit if a Phar Lap story for us. She’s a very special mare, we love her to bits,” said Ms Kennedy.

Michael Pritchard, 2021 Scone Horse Festival VIP:

David Gatwood held back tears as he gave an emotional, off the cuff speech to honour the 2021 Scone Horse Festival VIP, Mike Pritchard.

See full video announcement below.

“This is a tough one for me. Alice [Messara] mentioned this Scone Horse Festival was born out of four fathers if you will, two of which are here tonight,” said Mr Gatwood.

“It’s a personal one because I’ve worked very closely with this individual . . . the reason there is no script is because we’ll be here all night. His list of achievements, his dedication, his contribution, his incredible energy is boundless,” he said.

“He is the most humble individual I think I’ve ever met,” he said.

Known as the voice of the Upper Hunter, Mike Pritchard did indeed give a humbling acceptance speech, drawing laughter from the crowd as he told stories of his horse encounters over the years.

“At the Olympic games for the torch going through, there was a line up . . . was it 200 horses Peter?” asked Mr Pritchard.

“It was nearly up to 1,000” replied Peter Haydon.

“I wasn’t taking any notice because, I was the only one who got thrown off,” said Mr Pritchard, and the crowd erupted with laughter.

“That horse by the way, was a former race horse who was trained by your father in law,” he said, pointing at Alice Messara.

Mr Pritchard commended the team of people who have contributed to making the Scone Horse Festival an iconic event.

“There is another word for humble and that is undeserved, having said that I am so grateful and privileged to be one of those VIP’s that I look around tonight and think, how do I fit this role?” said Mr Pritchard.

“It’s easy for me to be on committees, not easy for me to say to Leah, I’ve got another meeting tonight,” joked Mr Pritchard.

“I think if you live in a community and you want to make life a little better for yourself and others around you, you make a commitment to try and improve things,” he said.

“We’ve got an event we can be very proud of in Scone and I am very pleased that I’ve been able to make little contribution to that. Thank you very much for the award,” Mr Pritchard said.