• PHOTO: The under 8s ‘Tiny Tot’s’ event was a highlight at the Bovine Thunderdome.
SHINING like a beacon, glistening in the radiant Coonamble sunshine, The Bovine Thunderdome stands without peer, in all its glory.
The brand new cattle complex at Coonamble Showground is a temple of worship whose pilgrims bask in its infinite beauty as they devote their sacred bovines for one glorious Wednesday of competition at Coonamble Show.
Disciples making the trek from near and far with their Led Steers, Stud Cattle and Commercial Exhibits united within the Thunderdome’s majesty, eagerly awaiting judgement from Crookwell’s James McDonald- Grand Poo-Bah for the day’s proceedings.
First worshippers to the altar were the Led Steers and Heifers, with Baradine Central, Coonamble High’s Bovine Appreciation Club and the Macrae Partnership all justling to get the first splash of Holy Water from Judge James.
With little regard for their opponents self-esteem, Coonamble High crashed through all and sundry to win Champion School Exhibit with a Limousin Steer named Wal-jay, bred by the School, that Grand Poo-Bah described as “without fault or flaw. An absolute cracker”.
The Baradine response was decisive, with Claudia McConachie leaving her competition stranded in the Cow-pews to claim Champion Parader.
The notable exception being first-time worshipper and Reserve Champion Parader Tori Hourigan, whose recent conversion to the bovine faith was confirmed by the Grand Poo-bah.
The Cattle Cathedral then levitated to a whole new level, with a near-record number of breeds joining hands and breaking bread in the middle of the Thunderdome.
Rising above all, claiming Supreme Stud Exhibit, was Southern Cross Smokin’ Joe- a divine Shorthorn Bull all the way from Purlewaugh.
Southern Cross decided that they would take not just the bread, but the wine as well, with their magnificent heifer, Southern Cross Anne anointed Champion Female.
Truly, a Holy Cow.
In what can only be described as a miracle, Judge McDonald was able to remain clear and focussed, while selecting a winner from the class of 25- you read that right, 25 unled bulls under 2 years old.
That being an Angus Bull from Coonabarabran’s DSK Angus stud.
However this outstanding bull was pipped for Champion Unled Bull by a Charolais Bull from long-time disciples of the Thunderdome, those of un-wavering faith- Myona Charolais.
Myona also claimed success with their pen of three heifers, just edging out Justin and Bec Hourigan’s beautiful Charolais X Heifers.
Grand-poo-bah then ordained Len Scott’s Charolais X Steer as champion unled steer.
To all those who travelled from across the Holy Land to worship at the Bovine Thunderdome, may the Bovine Gods smile upon you, and hold you in the palm of their hand.
Until next time we congregate – beef be with you.
BY ADAM MACRAE