Student's Sydney Royal debut topped off with heifer fitting challenge win
It was a night of firsts in many ways in the Sydney Royal Show heifer fitting challenge on April 13.
The competition marked the first time Micquella Grima, Howlong, had judged at the show, but the challenge was also the Sydney Royal debut for the eventual champion, Brodie Bywater, Narooma High School.
Miss Grima said the 15-year-old came up against strong competition.
The number of entries doubled on to last year's competition with 68 young enthusiasts across eight heats.
"Obviously, with a five-minute time restriction on the fitting challenge like this, it's all about time efficiency but not rushing and I think that really caught my eye," she said.
"He really ticked all the boxes in terms of presenting his heifer the best way possible within that time and he really did what he could to elevate her style when he entered the ring.
"As for his work ethic and his drive, he was calm and collected and just made sure he got in the ring on time but used his time efficiently and made the most of every minute that he could."
Miss Grima said the young competitor's showmanship also contributed to winning the broadribbon.
"He was aware of those around him, it was quite a tight space and his equipment and presentation ticked all the boxes, and he really rose to the top of his heat and then to the top of the finals," she said.
Brodie said the win was a shock, but he did think he might have had a chance as the heifer was presented clean and co-operated in the ring.
"My plan was to get her clean as quick as possible and then put her leathers on and, if plenty of time after that, give her another clean over, which is how it went," he said.
"After I put the leathers and her breastplate on, I still had a bit of time to take sure all the sawdust and baby powders was out.
"This was the first time I have ever seen this event run, so I was glad I wasn't in the first heat so I could see how it was done and then had time to work out how I would do it."
