Pete Comiskey’s name is linked to many of the great campdraft horses and his name is etched onto almost all the big draft trophies throughout the country, so one would imagine it would be hard for him to pick a favourite horse. However when Rod and Ann Carpenter’s mare Roanies Chex name is mentioned you can feel a definite softness in his voice when he relives her competition achievements. He happily tells you that she was so talented and honest that she stands alone in his opinion and her achievements are continuing as a brood mare who will be remembered through her progeny. Her progeny are proving themselves to be champions showing all her successful traits and Pete can’t wait to bring each one to the campdraft arena.
Roanies Chex has attributes that make her standout. She has no dirt in her and she is just happy to be with you and goes that extra bit to please you. She is soft both in your hands and in her movement when hitting the ground, she has exceptional balance at speed and is really natural outside chasing a beast. Adding to all her competitive edge is she is just an excellent station horse, the horse you want to ride mustering, she’s a great walker, a good ride all day and stamina to boot.
Pete has embryoed Roanie to a number of sires for different reasons to produce stallions which he expects to excel at the highest levels. These stallions will all add to Roanie’s superior genetics and each will appeal to different people who will be trying to breed their own champion from the Roanie bloodline. The differences will be judged by colour, type or a preference towards a grand sire.
Time Chex is a very talented Roanies Chex son by the well-known sire Times Up. Times Up was originally known for his record in the cutting pen with the Shumack Family but has since changed to the campdraft arena where he has been turning in some amazing performances for big scores. Pete has always been impressed by his work and considered a foal by him from Roanie would produce a horse with size and ability capable of going either cutting or campdrafting.
Time Chex was sold to Peter Shumack as a youngster and Peter (Shumack) immediately set him for the 2019 NCHA Futurity. Fully trained, he had an impressive NP Futurity year, winning GR1 of the Open Snafflebit at St George and placing =7th overall with Matilda Shumack. He was then sold through the 2020 Nutrien Sale at Tamworth and Pete (Comiskey) and Bryony bought him back after following him through his Futurity year and being thoroughly impressed with his ability and attitude.
Following the sale, he stayed at home with Pete and Bryony doing mustering and general station work as Pete prepared him for a return to Tamworth for the 2021 Nutrien Classic. Pete believed he was a natural to convert successfully to campdrafting, as he was a good cow horse, light in both your hands and feet and was a low traveller, just like his famous mum.
At Nutrien he did not disappoint, making the Classic at his first outing. He went on to consistently finish among the best, at a series of Queensland’s major events, including a Maiden win at Capella, and another win in the Comet River Windmill Novice draft. After that light campaign in his first 2 seasons, he started the 2024 season with strong performances in the Australian Stockmans Hall of Fame Open, finishing 3rd and the ACA National Finals Top 30 Shoot Out, finishing 2nd. He is certainly showing on track for a long and successful career as both a campdrafter in his own right, but also as a sire with outstanding performance genetics that are an asset to the industry.
Time Chex plays an important role as a sire as he carries forward the legacy of his legendary dam Roanies Chex, who sadly passed away in June 2024 at the age of 29.
