Barrel racers chase competition points at annual Cap Coast Classic
Published on 05 June 2025
Speed and family fun will be central to the action at the Australian Barrel Horse Association (ABHA) Capricorn Coast Classic at the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX) over the weekend.
Running for more than twenty years, the Classic features events for the whole family, from 3 year olds on lead ponies, peewee barrel racing, riding for the disabled event, junior and open categories and the hotly contested Dash for Cash.
Deputy Mayor and Communities Culture and Heritage Portfolio Councillor Drew Wickerson said Council was pleased to provide $5,000 for the event from the Community Assistance Program.
“Council supports a diverse range of events and initiatives through the Community Assistance Program that bring communities together and enhance community wellbeing, and the ABHA Capricorn Coast Classic is a perfect example of this,” Cr Wickerson said.
“An event that brings families together, provides participation and competition for young ones, people with disabilities, right through to junior and senior competitors, is something to be applauded.
“We are looking forward to seeing around 500 spectators and competitors travelling from across Central Queensland to compete and catch up.
“Whether they are camping onsite or staying in local motels, this event supports local businesses and is a great win for the region.
“We remind local community groups and non-profits to ensure they consider the Community Assistance Program in the planning of their events, as Council is passionate about supporting local events that build our community and our region.”
Founded in 2003 the Australian Barrel Horse Association (ABHA) Capricorn Coast Circuit Inc is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing a family-oriented horse sporting event, as well as an opportunity for people to showcase well bred horses in a speed event.
According to ABHA Capricorn Coast Inc Event Coordinator Suzy Patteson, the event gets bigger and better every year for such a large equine event for the whole family to attend.
“The event of barrel racing is one of the fastest growing sports for the whole family Australia wide, as you can compete with local organisations and also have the opportunity to travel to the larger events in every state,” Ms Patteson said.
“We have seven different categories starting with the youngest of lead lines, pee wees, junior events through to our open event for the whole family to compete in.
“Then we go onto our aged horse events, which are aged horses for Futurity being 4, 5 and 6 yr old to Maturity 7, 8 and 9 yr olds.
“Then we follow up with a need for speed in the open Dash 4 Cash which allows competitors to compete in the largest of barrel races in the campdraft arena with over $4,000 in prizes on offer.
“The Capricorn Coast Club also introduced the event to support the Rockhampton Riding for the Disabled three years ago, providing quiet barrel racing horses for students to compete and participate at our event on Saturday morning.
The Gracemere Hotel ABHA Capricorn Coast Classic runs from Thursday 5 June to Sunday 8 June, with competition running from 8am until late on Friday and Saturday, and the Dash for Cash at 8.30am Sunday.
Entry is free for the public with trade stalls from local businesses, food stalls and a licensed bar operating from 12pm until late Friday and Saturday.
For more details visit the ABHA Capricorn Coast Circuit Facebook page.
Round 1 for 2025/2026 of the Community Assistance Program is now open, closing 11 July 2025. For more information about eligible organisations and events and how to apply, contact Council Community Services on 4936 8368 or visit our website.