After a tough few days of competition, Macklinshaw ended up with 703 points in the open category to beat Carl Green, 687.65, and David Mitchell, 672.75, to the title.

It was his third straight year as champion.

“He [Macklinshaw] comes from Armidale; he’s a good athlete and a really great bloke to boot,” King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge and Bush Festival president Earl Kelaher said.

The 14^th annual event was held in Murrurundi over the weekend. 

And, the committee was elated that “everything went according to plan”.

“We’re all very happy with the crowd, competitors, and sponsors,” Kelaher added.

“Without the sponsors, in particular, we just can’t run it; there was prize money of over $40,000 plus the trophies as well.

“We also had emergency services there, such as the Rural Fire Service, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the police.

“We did that to acknowledge them because they probably don’t get enough sometimes.

“A special pat on the back to [competitor] Peter Jupiter as well. He came all the way from the top end of Queensland to compete again.

“And, I heard someone mention that Murrurundi is the only place that has goat races.

“We’ve been doing it for quite a few years now and the kids absolutely love it –they all line up to have a go in the karts.”

Apart from Macklinshaw’s win, Emma O’Shea claimed the ladies title after amassing an impressive 608.85 points.

Second place went to Larissa Pearsall while Ellen Forge finished third.

Novice champion was Peter Jupiter, who had 453.25 points.

Brett Allan was runner-up, with Mason Tait completing the top three.

In the junior category, Zeb Pearce’s 482.25 was more than enough for him to claim the title ahead of Ben Shenton and Johnny Ward.