The Brunette Races, for those of you viewing this from outside the Territory, is an annual event at held at Brunette Downs Station that attracts outback cattlemen (and women) from all around. Over four days they test their skill (and their manhood!) in a series of events in the camp draft, rodeo and race program. Then of course there is the bar - where men are made! It is one of those truly Australian spectacles - the stuff that legends are made of - and one of those traditions that make us "Australians" though most of us will never actually witness it let alone take part!
This is camp drafting - the aim being to cut one beast out of a heard in "the camp", take it out the gate, then guide it around a series of posts within a set time. Of course, no-one told this to the beast who does his level best to run everywhere but through the course - and therein lies the challenge!
This is camp drafting - the aim being to cut one beast out of a heard in "the camp", take it out the gate, then guide it around a series of posts within a set time. Of course, no-one told this to the beast who does his level best to run everywhere but through the course - and therein lies the challenge!
In this shot, George Scott from Georgina Pastoral Company - a Scott family company that owns a group of stations including Lake Nash Station. George is one of the land holders I work with.
Though not officially on the program, "romance" is another common activity at the Brunette races!
Bronco riding at the rodeo. I'm told that in the Territory it is pronounced ro-dee-o, NOT ro-day-o!
Peering out of "the camp" just before being cut out of the herd.
He looks pretty serious, but it's all front!
Waiting to enter the camp
This is a real family event too, with lots of kids events.... and an ambulance standing by!
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