General News
22 December, 2025
Riders give cancer hope
THE North Queensland Western Performance Horse Club’s 11th annual ‘Lope & Hope for a Cure’ returned to the Tully Horse Performance Centre in August, raising vital funds for cancer research support services and prevention programs, while paying tribute to a beloved competitor.
This year’s event registered as a ‘Pink fundraiser’ for Cancer Council Queensland honoured Leah Smith, a Mackay rider, who lost her battle with mesothelioma in 2024. The Leah Smith Memorial trail class drew 35 entrants, aimed to raise awareness of asbestos related disease, while 100% of costume class nomination fees went towards the cause.
A total of $1648.25 was raised, with $1016 donated to Cancer Council Queensland and $632.25 for Advocacy Australia in Leah’s name.
Across two days of competition, 69 horse and rider combinations took part and after braving wet weather on opening night, they enjoyed clear skies and sunny weather. Riders travelled from across Far North Queensland, the Atherton Tablelands, and as far as Moranbah.
Leah’s husband, Phil, travelled north to compete on her horse, served as guest judge for the themed classes, and presented awards in the memorial trail classes which honoured Leah’s legacy.
Next year’s ‘Lope & Hope for a Cure’ event will be held on 8-9 August.
High point winners:
Led performance horse
winner: TBS Why Not
runner up: VV Smooth Little Assasin
Senior horse
winner: Ceelebrity
runner up: Justa Lazy Loper
Junior horse
winner: Dunupingold GJC
runner up: Radical Rodney
Amateur owner
winner: Lynette Fry
runner up: Kerryn Reid
Select amateur owner
winner: Nicole Thomas
runner up: Julie Sain
Progressive senior horse
winner: Bluestone Breezin Berry
runner up: REQ Whos that Girl
Progressive adult
winner: Teiryn Ellwood
runner up: Bernadette Lyttle
Progressive youth
winner: Ella-Rose Holst
runner up: Hayley Smith
Walk/Jog
winner: Subtle Oak
runner up: Meezaah
Leah Smith Memorial trail class
winner: Dion Assenbruck and his mare, TWC ReachfortheSky
runner up: Kerryn Reid and Justa Lazy Loper
Ride in shorts for Leah costume classes
Adult: Abbey Chester
Youth: Georgie Hewlett
Sportsmanship award: Teiryn Ellwood
Halter horse winners:
Supreme led exhibit
TBS Why Not and Renee Biggs
Grand champion Paint Horse Association of Australia regular registry
Precious Loot and Michelle Martin
Grand champion Paint Horse Association of Australia paint bred
TBS Why Not and Renee Biggs
Grand champion quarter horse
Celebrity and Lynette Fry
Read More: Far North