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Champion returns to defend her Thistle

Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular

Champion returns to defend her Thistle

Junior entries break records for the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular

 

Beaudesert – June 14 and 15

 

Samarah Park Sarah may only have been 12 months when she was crowned the leading Clydesdale across the land and took the coveted THISTLE crown at the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular last year, but that was enough to have this young filly keen to wear it again in 2025! The event has long been regarded as the pinnacle of Clydesdale competition in Australia—but in 2023, the event made it official with the introduction of The Thistle, the Australian Clydesdale Championship title. And Samarah Park Sarah will be at Beaudesert across June 14 and 15, competing for back-to-back honours. Images here

 

A nod to the breed’s proud Scottish heritage, The Thistle represents the highest honour for Clydesdales in the Southern Hemisphere, cementing the event’s status as the true “Top Gun” of heavy horse competition. Only one Clydesdale takes home The Thistle each year—and they must outshine the best of the best to do it.  From its beginnings, the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular has attracted champions. For a decade, from 2013 to 2022, the most coveted title was the Pat & Evie Ehrich Memorial Supreme Champion Clydesdale—awarded to the finest of the breed at the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular. In 2023, the event reached new heights with the official introduction of The Thistle, an Australian Championship title that positions the event as the ultimate showdown for the nation's best of the best.

 

Attracting the best horses isn’t the only thing that the event has become known for – it has forged a reputation for attracting some of the best junior handlers and riders, and this year sees a record number entered. Event Director Greta Stanfield said it was wonderful to see the number of young people becoming involved in the sport and the industry, saying “the future of the breed and the competition is in great hands – literally – given we call these juniors young handlers!.”

 

The 2025 Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular, will be held in Beaudesert across the weekend of June 14 and 15.

 

“The Clydesdale is part of the soul of this region. The Thistle honours not just the horse, but the generations of breeders, handlers, and families who pour their lives into keeping the tradition strong,” said Event Director Greta Stanfield. “This event isn’t just a show—it’s a statement. The best horses in the country come here. The Thistle is their crown.”

 

With a full weekend of competitions, rare trades, Scottish heritage tributes, whip-cracking, and the new Friday night Country Concert featuring Luke Geiger, this year’s event will once again be a powerful celebration of rural pride, horsepower, and heritage.

 

 

2024’s reigning Thistle champion is Samarah Park Sarah, bred and owned by S & Y Moloney, adding their name to a storied list of titleholders:

 

CLYDESDALE SPECTACULAR SUPREME CHAMPIONS
2013 – Dugandan Emily (Stanfield Family)
2014 – Dugandan Emily (Stanfield Family)
2015 – Glengowrie Celtic Lad (Ehrich Family)
2016 – Duncan Valley Raghnall (Bred: Goodall Family | Owned: Bradley Wood)
2017 – Allington Braye Eilionoir Rose (Neil & Lorraine Page)
2018 – Duneske Flash Pearl (Stewart-Koster Family)
2019 – Oscarville Coco (Paul Cooper)
2020 – Event cancelled due to COVID-19
2021 – Coolibah Ridge Southern Bell (D & N Martin)
2022 – Dalswinton Charlotte (Tony & Pam Parry)
2023 – Duneske Flash Pearl (Stewart-Koster Family)
2024 – Samarah Park Sarah (S & Y Moloney)

 

THE THISTLE WINNERS
2023 – Duneske Flash Pearl (Stewart-Koster Family)
2024 – Samarah Park Sarah (S & Y Moloney)

 

 

The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular is held in the heart of Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, offering visitors even more reason to stay, savour, and experience one of the most unique events in Australia.

 

THE COUNTRY CONCERT WITH LUKE GEIGER

5.00pm - 6.30pm DJ Stanfield

6.30pm - 9.30pm Luke Geiger

9.30pm til late - DJ Stanfield

Tickets $45

www.clydesdalespectacular.com.au

Luke Geiger - Promotional Video

 

Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular 2025

Saturday 14^th & Sunday 15^th June 2025

Beaudesert Showgrounds, Albert Street, Beaudesert

8am until late both days

More information, accommodation and ticketing detail: www.clydesdalespectacular.com.au

The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.

 

For information on other great events in the Scenic Rim, click here

VISIT THE SCENIC RIM! Find out all you need at visitscenicrim.com.au

 

Contact details:

Kath Rose

0416 291 493 

[email protected]