Organisers say this year's National Cutting Horse Championships in Tamworth broke all previous records.

Some 20,000 spectators visited the event over the 11 days of competition, which saw more than 500 horses display talents in livestock handling.

The 2009 Open Futurity winner was Queenslander Heath Sinclair, who picked up a cheque for $75,000.

Events manager Glen Morgan says the sport of cutting in Australia is definitely getting a bigger profile.

"We had contestants from every state in Australia and then we had the international guests from New Zealand and several riders from the USA," he said.

"The event continues to grow with momentum.

"With the amount of interest we're getting from overseas breeders and trainers, I think over the next three or four years we're certainly going to see it break the $100,000 mark for first prize."

2009 Tamworth Cutting Championships

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