A UNIVERSITY student who rides trackwork for champion racehorse trainer Gai Waterhouse and a territory manager for an animal health company will represent Zone 3 in the state final of the 2015 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition.
The Zone 3 regional final drew 12 showgirls to the judging dinner hosted by Eurobodalla Show Society Moruya RSL on Saturday.
Cooma Showgirl Holly McCosker and Goulburn Showgirl Bonnie Skinner were announced the two zone winners by Agricultural Societies Council of NSW president Tim O’Brien, Goonumbla via Parkes.
Holly, 23, is studying for an animal and veterinary bioscience degree at the University of Sydney and wants to become a researcher in animal diseases after graduation.
Holly has started training as a property auctioneer and during the past four years has also ridden trackwork for Gai Waterhouse to supplement her income. However, her goal is a farming career.
Bonnie Skinner, 24, another horse enthusiast, was raised in Sydney but has made her home in Goulburn, working as an area manager for animal pharmaceutical company Jurox.
Bonnie has degrees in equine science and applied science from Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, and plans to add tertiary qualifications in agronomy and agricultural science before embarking on a career in livestock and equine nutrition consultancy.
The judges were Agricultural Societies Council of NSW Group 3 delegate David Williams, Singleton; 2013 National Rural Ambassador Prue Capp, Wagga Wagga, and Judy Graham, wife of Fairfax Media’s group agricultural editor, Vernon Graham, Kurrajong Heights, representing The Land.
The other finalists were: Eurobodalla Showgirl, Kelly Hull; Cobargo Showgirl, Tamara Corby; Bega Showgirl, Amanda Brice; Nimmitabel Showgirl, Katherine Miners; Boorowa Showgirl, Diana Nixon; Crookwell Showgirl, Kelsey McIntosh; Bungendore Showgirl, Ashley Meyer-Dilley; Queanbeyan Showgirl, Amelia McInnes; Adelong Showgirl, Elizabeth Bowden, and Tumut Showgirl, Georgina Lucas.