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Family Glory for Anglands
TOP Wagga cowboys Rhys and Cody Angland head to Queensland for week three of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association Northern Run on Saturday and Sunday at Longreach and Richmond.
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The pair and brother Ty come from Wantabadgery in the Wagga district of New South Wales and all have starred in rodeo.
Ty is now making a name for himself as a top jockey who rode the winner of the recent Weetwood Handicap in Toowoomba.
Rhys currently leads the open bull ride standings in the APRA and will compete in the bull ride at this weekend's rodeos while Cody has nominated for the saddle bronc ride at Longreach on Saturday and will then head north to Richmond on Sunday.
On Saturday, there are 294 nominations for Longreach and on Sunday 340 competitors have nominated for Richmond.
Distance has never been a problem for APRA members and 15 of the 21 who compete at Longreach have also nominated for Richmond.
One of the six cowboys just competing at Richmond is Boulia rider Grant Wells who doesn't compete in many rodeos but has the ability to beat the best of them on his day.
Cootamundra bullrider Edward Carlon is competing in both and can take the lead in the APRA rookie bull ride standings with a victory.
Currently, Ryan Gill, of Upper Horton (NSW) leads the rookie standings from Carlon.
In the open standings, Gill is second in the bull ride behind Rhys Angland and Carlon third.
There are 26 nominations in the saddle bronc ride at Longreach and 29 at Richmond, including top Marlborough competitor Andrew Bourke and Millmerran star Peter Moffatt.
Timed event nominations are flooding in for all rodeos and that will most certainly be the case when competitors stay in the north for two of the three biggest rodeos in the APRA at Cloncurry and Mt Isa.
APRA Northern Run program: July 25 - Longreach State Championships; July 26 - Richmond; August 1-2 - Cloncurry Merry Muster; August 5-9 - Mt Isa Rotary Rodeo, August 14-15 - Darwin, August 15 - Winton.
More information from APRA office on 07 4661 8183
TAROOM RODEO WINNERS:
Saddle Bronc - David Kelly, NSW, Bull Ride - Jason Mara, Qld, Bareback - Brendan Jackson, Vic, Rope and Tie & Steer Wrestling - Shane Kenny, Qld, Team Roping - Mark Knox, Qld & Brendan Kenny, Qld, Ladies Barrel Race - Adele Edwards, NSW, Ladies Breakaway Roping - Fallon Mulhall, Qld.
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Starry times at Emerald
MUNDUBBERA cowboy Matt Postle has bragging rights at the start of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association Northern Run after a win in the open bull ride at the Emerald Rodeo last weekend.
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Postle formerly lived on the Central Highlands but now calls Munbubbera home.
He scored 86 to win in a closely contested bull ride.
Emerald Rodeo Association committee member Leanne Kenny said six or seven bull riders scored 83 or more.
"Half of the bull riders made time to record a score," Kenny said.
The rodeo attracted a crowd of 2000, including Australian Professional Rodeo Association members from most states.
There were no injuries at a rodeo where Ian Watkins (Alton Downs), Raymond Charles (Dingo) and Brian Lovett (Taroom) were the judges.
Roma saddle bronc rider Jamahl Hamilton moved well into the top 15 in APRA rankings with a win at Emerald after scoring 86 on star bucking mare QT.
A feature of the rodeo was the presentation of $5000 to the Central Queensland Rescue Helicopter Service representative Kay Becker.
Kenny said the rescue helicopter was often in the Emerald area airlifting patients to Rockhampton.
"The money was raised at the two Emerald rodeos this year," Kenny said.
There are 275 nominations for the Taroom Rodeo on Saturday (July 18) which starts at 2pm at the Taroom Showgrounds.
The most entries of the 275 received for the rodeo are 59 in team roping. In cowgirls events, there are 31 nominations in both the barrel race and breakway roping, including reigning champion in each event, Wendy Caban, of Moree.
Taroom is an APRA championship points rodeo which adds to the quality of the competitors eager to press their claims for a spot at the Gold Coast finals on January 14-17.
Emerald winners: Steer wrestling - Dave Jessat (Goulburn); team roping - Mark Knox (Ebenezer) and Brendan Kenny (Springsure); rope and tie - Clancy Middleton (Emerald); saddle bronc - Jamahl Hamilton (Roma); bull ride - Matt Postle (Mundubbera); bareback bronc ride Fred Osman (Gore); barrel racing - Jemma Slotosch (Alton Downs), breakaway roping - Fallon Mulhall (Rockhampton).
APRA Northern Run: July 18 - Taroom; July 25 - Longreach State Championships; July 26 - Richmond; August 1-2 - Cloncurry Merry Muster; August 5-9 - Mt Isa Rotary Rodeo, August 14-15 - Darwin, August 15 - Winton.
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Iker spies bigger prize
AUSTRALIAN Professional Rodeo Association all around cowboy champion Shane Iker has the chance to move up the standings when the Northern Run starts next week.
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Iker, of Alton Downs, won his first all around title in 2008 when he peaked at the right time of the season to have the best overall performances at the finals at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
While he shouldn't have any major difficulty in qualifying for the finals in the rope and tie, steer wrestling and team roping, Iker also has the chance to go for pro tour titles.
Pro tour titles are won by the competitors who win the most money in each event and overall in the rodeo year.
This means rodeos like the two richest, Mt Isa and Warwick, are a great chance for riders to perform well and move up the list.
The first of the big two is the Mt Isa Rotary Rodeo on August 5-9.
Before the competitors get to Mt Isa, there are rodeos each weekend at Emerald, Taroom, Longreach, Richmond and Cloncurry.
Emerald is the first event on the Northern Run, the Emerald Let Em Buck Pro Tour Rodeo on July 11.
The Central Highlands town is one of very few to hold two APRA rodeos a year but it has a reputation for rodeo excellence as at times up to five of the top 15 riders in some timed events are Emerald based.
The New England area in New South Wales is home to many of the rough stock stars and virtually all of the best riders from the area will support the Northern Run.
All eight APRA open events are on the program for all the championship points rodeos on the Northern Run.
Timed event riders will get the chance to earn some extra money at a Richmond Rodeo Jackpot on July 27-29.
APRA Northern Run: July 11 - Emerald Let Em Buck Pro Tour Rodeo; July 18 - Taroom; July 25 - Longreach State Championships; July 26 - Richmond; August 1-2 - Cloncurry Merry Muster; August 5-9 - Mt Isa Rotary Rodeo, Darwin August 14-15, Winton August 15.
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Nanango Success
THE inaugural Nanango Boots N' Bull Dust Festival Rodeo on Saturday (June 6) has been rated an outstanding success by festival director Sandy Towell.
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"The rodeo was absolutely fabulous and was the highlight of the festival," Towell said.
"We had a crowd of 1200 at the rodeo and it will definitely become an annual event.
"The theme of the festival was to raise awareness of depression in rural communities."
Towell said the most popular events were bull riding and team roping.
"We have had rodeos in the past but we loved the professionalism of an Australian Professional Rodeo Association Rodeo which attracted many of the best competitors in Australia," she said.
The open bull ride at Nanango was won by Ashley MacDonell-Scott on Vegas Nights.
Most of the competitors who competed at Nanango backed up on the Queen's Birthday weekend Sunday at the Gayndah Rodeo held in conjunction with the Orange Festival.
There was an estimated crowd of 2000 at Gayndah where the Blee family, of Gayndah, stole the show in the local barrel races.
Mother Debbie won the local (open) barrel race, her daughter Stacey was the juvenile event and son Chris won the junior race. Another daughter Chloe was second in juniors.
Munbubbera cowboy Stuart Frame was the major winner among the locals taking out the open bareback bronc ride and finishing third in the open bull ride.
There were 28 contestants in the open bull ride which was won by James Hastead.
There was only one score in the second division bull ride in a field of 12 with Ben Robinson the winner with a score of 71.
GAYNDAH WINNERS: Open events: Steer wrestling Kacey Kenny (Emerald) 3.45 seconds; barrel race Stephanie Gard (Lavington, NSW) 15.083; Breakaway roping Leanne Kenny (Emerald) 2.4; team roping Kacey Kenny (Emerald) and Wayne McGhee (Comet) 6.85; saddle bronc Jamahl Hamilton (Roma) 77 points; bull ride Jamie Hastead 81, bareback Stuart Frame (Mundubbera) 81, rope and tie Mark Knox (Ebenezer) 9.7.
Second division events: Saddle bronc Mark Collins (Warwick) 70; bull ride Ben Robinson 71, Matthew Makinson 67.
Junior events: Steer ride Thomas Whitwell (Mt Tarampa) 63, barrel race Calla Matthews 15.115.
APRA Northern Run: July 11 - Emerald Let Em Buck Pro Tour Rodeo; July 18 - Taroom; July 25 - Longreach State Championships; July 26 - Richmond; August 1-2 - Cloncurry Merry Muster; August 5-9 - Mt Isa Rotary Rodeo.
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Osman Rides High
Osman, of Gore on the Darling Downs, leads the bareback bronc ride standings for the first time from Victorian cowboy Lee Bowker.
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While he has been based at Sale, Victoria, while competing in the Southern states, Bowker is originally from Normanton in Queensland.
Emerald cowboy Jeff Miller is third in team roping header standings and another Emerald rider Dale Caban third in team roping heeler standings.
It is expected the Queensland contingent, particularly timed-event star Shane Kenny, will move up the rankings once the Northern Run of six rodeos starts in Queensland on July 11 at Emerald.
There is plenty of competition at the top of the standings in the bull ride.
Wagga Wagga cowboy Rhys Angland leads the bull ride standings from Upper Horton (NSW) star Ryan Gill.
Oxley (Victoria) cowboy Brad Pierce is third after showing his style in the United States in 2007 where he won the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rookie all around and rookie bull riding titles. Winning a PRCA title in the United States is equivalent to a world title.
Pierce recently won the bull and saddle bronc rides at the Man from Snowy River Rodeo at Corryong.
Edward Carlon, of Canowindra (NSW) is fourth in the bull ride and Rothbury (NSW) rider Jason O'Hearn fifth.
O'Hearn led the standings at the end of the 2008 season.
Pierce is the leading rough stock rider in the APRA all around standings coming in at fourth behind timed event stars Lee Kimber (Lockington, Victoria), Russell Lincoln (Greenwick Park, NSW) and Terry Evison (Nilma North, Victoria).
APRA PROGRAM: May 29 - Bundaberg BTD; May 30 - Maleny BTD; June 6 - Nanango Boots N' Bulldust; June 7 - Gayndah; July 11 - Emerald Let Em Buck Pro Tour Rodeo; July 18 - Taroom; July 25 - Longreach State Championships; July 26 - Richmond; August 1-2 - Cloncurry Merry Muster; August 5-9 - Mt Isa Rotary Rodeo.
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Sunshine State dominates national rodeo list
QUEENSLAND can claim to be the top rodeo state in the nation as half the finalists in this week's Staunch Energy Drink National Finals Rodeo are from the Sunshine State.
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The finals start on Thursday (January 8) at the Gold Coast Convention Centre and finish on Sunday. (January 11). Two rounds will be held on Saturday as a forerunner to the Jimmy Barnes Concert after the night rodeo.
This week's finals are the first since the end of equine influenza and competitors need to perform well in at least four of the five rounds to finish in the overall placings.
Queensland has a high of 11 finalists out of 15 among team roping heeler competitors.
There are also some former Queensland riders in the finals. One of the favourites for the barrel race is former Roma and now Gunnedah resident Teneille Little.
Former Kalbar competitor Lee Kimber has the ability to win any of the timed events for cowboys and will return to his home state from Lockington, Victoria, for the finals.
Kimber is also set to challenge for the all around cowboys buckle but reigning champion Shane Kenny, of Emerald, is the red hot favourite as he finished the season at the top of the standings in steer wrestling, rope and tie, and the team roping heeler. Kenny will combine with team roping header rankings leader Jeff Miller in the finals.
Fellow Lockington competitor Cherie O'Donoghue is in open team roping as well as the barrel race and breakaway roping where she is one of the favourites for the all around cowgirl title.
Tickets for the January 8-11 finals at the Gold Coast Convention Centre are available from www.nfrgoldcoast.com.au or through Ticketek.
Queensland finalists: Saddle bronc ride - Ranking of number 1 going into finals for Peter Moffatt (Millmerran); 3 Clint Harm (Marmor); 5 Lucas Wilson (Warwick); 7 Mavryn Remfrey (Ayr); 9 Cameron Bond (Dulacca); 10 Jeffrey Hay (Taroom); 11 Andrew Bourke (Marlborough); 12 Cameron Webster (Wandoan), 14 Ricky Knudsen (Taroom).
Bull ride - 7 Stuart Frame (Mundubbera); 10 Jason Mara (Cloncurry); 13 Cody Tapp (Emerald); 14 Wade Rehn (Lockyer Valley); 15 Jim Rowsell (Goondiwindi).
Bareback bronc ride - 2 Jake Marshall (Goondiwindi); 3 Lee Bowker (Normanton), 6 Stuart Frame (Mundubbera); 7 Bevan Brown (Cambooya); 11 Clint Burton (Miles); 14 Alex Turner (Aramac).
Rope and tie - 1 Shane Kenny (Emerald); 3 Clancy Middleton (Hughenden); 4 Dale Caban (Emerald); 6 Mark Knox (Ebenezer); 7 Kacey Kenny (Emerald); 8 Shane Iker (Alton Downs); 9 Paul Emerson (Emerald); 10 Grant Hanrahan (Emerald); 13 Stephen Purse (Thuringowa), 15 Brendan Kenny (Clermont).
Steer wrestling - 1 Shane Kenny (Emerald), 3 Clancy Middleton (Hughenden), 4 Cameron Bell (Gracemere), 7 Jamie Reynolds (Clermont), 8 Darryl Jones (Kingaroy); 9 Shane Iker (Alton Downs), 10 Brad Cavanagh (Kingaroy); 15 Stuart Brown (Emerald).
Open team roping header - 1 Jeff Miller (Emerald), 2 Clancy Middleton (Hughenden), 3 Aaron Leahy (Yeppoon), 5 Errol Frain (Yeppoon), 7 Grant Hanrahan (Emerald), 10 Mark Knox (Ebenezer), 11 Norman Stagg (Townsville), 12 Heath Kimber (Cambooya), 13 Steven Augustin (Grantham), 14 Brad Cavanagh (Kingaroy).
Open team roping heeler - 1 Shane Kenny (Emerald), 2 Kacey Kenny (Emerald), 4 Wayne McGhee (Comet), 5 Brendan Kenny (Emerald), 6 Dale Caban (Emerald), 8 Ross Ballard (Ipswich), 9 Cameron Bell (Gracemere), 10 Murray Whitwell (Mt Tarampa), 11 Robert McPhee (Rockhampton), 12 Shane Iker (Alton Downs), 13 Brody Moss (Yabulu Black River).
Barrel race - 3 Leanne Kenny (Emerald), 11 Tenielle Hanrahan (Emerald), 12 Liza Longney (Warwick), 13 Shea Fisher (Sunshine Coast).
Breakaway roping - 1 Leanne Kenny (Emerald), 3 Leanne Caban (Emerald), 5 Kerry Kenny (Emerald), 6 Kerry Turner (Aramac), 7 Judy Gough (Lowood), 9 Tenielle Hanrahan (Emerald), 10 Stacey Wilburn (Emerald), 11 Angela Simpson (Emerald), 13 Emma Leahy (Yeppoon).
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Reining in World Rodeo
THE likely formation of an International Federation of Professional Rodeo is good news for Australian competitors planning to compete overseas, according to Steve Hilton.
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Hilton, the Australian Professional Rodeo Association general manager and board chairman John Osborne attended a meeting in the United States earlier this month at which the formation of a world body was proposed.
"We were also talking on behalf of the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association," Hilton said.
The new world association will include Australia, New Zealand, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (United States), Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and International Professional Rodeo (Brazil).
Hilton said all associations wanted properly sanctioned international events.
"When we form a world body, it will be easier for competitors from Australia to travel to North America on a sportsman's visa," he said.
"We hope this will help get recognition of rodeo as a sport from the Federal Government."
Once an international federation is formed, Hilton hopes world rodeo challenges will be held each year between the champions from each country in the seven standard rodeo events.
"The event rules are fairly universal, an international body will also open up more sponsorship opportunities" Hilton said.
"Down the track, we might get more overseas competitors to Australia."
Already, some promoters in Australia have expressed interest in hosting international rodeo events.
During his visit to America, Hilton was delighted to hear that rodeo was increasing in popularity in countries like Portugal, Italy, Mexico and Guatemala.
This year, Goondwindi cowboy and reigning bareback champion Jake Marshall was one of the Australian cowboys who travelled to North America to compete.
Meanwhile on the APRA circuit,nominations have increased for the Christmas Run of rodeos in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia starting on Boxing Day at Myrtleford in North East Victoria.
The Christmas Run of 10 championship points rodeos finishes on January 3 at Narrandera.
The top 15 in each event will then proceed to the Staunch Energy Drink National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on January 8-11. Tickets for the finals are on sale at www.nfrgoldcoast.com.au or through Ticketek.
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Past Returns to Springsure
PROFESSIONAL rodeo returns to Springsure after a two-decade absence on Saturday.
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(Sept 27).
Australian Professional Rodeo Association general manager Steve Hilton said it was 20 years since a pro rodeo was held in the town.
"Historically, a lot of good cowboys have come out of Springsure," Hilton said.
"Entries are pretty good for a rodeo in a small country town."
The rodeo is being organised by retired saddle bronc and steer wrestling competitor Dallas Powell and starts at 3pm Saturday.
Bucking bulls and horses will be provided by Victorian contractor Garry McPhee.
Last weekend, APRA action was in Toowoomba and a storm and blackout did nothing to deter the enthusiasm of the crowd and cowboys.
"The rain around 6pm didn't stop the crowd," Hilton said.
"As they were shooting for the movie Shadows of the Past, the action was a bit stop start which is why we only charged $10 admission. The rodeo started at 7pm and there was a blackout for 20 minutes from 7.20pm."
Rothbury (NSW) cowboy Jason O'Hearn jumped on six bulls in Warwick on Thursday for movie footage and rode time on five. In Toowoomba on Saturday night Jason made two eight-second rides on Black Friday, a bull from the Frank Biddle string which will be featured in the movie.
In the APRA competition at Toowoomba, Chris Lowe, of Uralla, won the open event with a score of 83 from Nathan Beel, of Running Creek, on 81 and Bundarra bull rider Daniel Hoskings who rode a score to of 80.
Goondiwindi cowboy Jim Rowsell scored 83 to win the chute out between the best five riders.
Sam Dillon, of Quirindi (NSW) won the second-division bull ride.
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Emerald Cowboys Leads
EMERALD cowboy Shane Kenny heads the Australian Professional Rodeo Association standings in three events as competitors battle for places in the January 8-11 National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast.
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While Kenny and the top-10 in each of the eight events are odds on to qualify in the top-15 for the finals, there is less than $1000 in prizemoney between the 11th and 16th placed riders in team roping heeler, rope and tie, and breakaway roping standings.
In the next six weeks, the APRA has championship points rodeos at Springsure, Injune, Marrabel (SA) and Warwick.
Warwick has the most prizemoney of the four and an event win at Warwick could easily boost a competitor's standing from 25th to 15th.
Kenny leads in the rope and tie, steer wrestling and team roping heeler standings.
Due to equine influenza and the carryover of standings from last year, there are no pro tour event/all around titles to be won in 2008. If there was, Kenny would most likely figure prominently among the buckle winners.
Competitors who finish the year on top of the standings will go into the finals as favourites for their events.
Millmerran cowboy Peter Moffatt leads the saddle bronc standings.
APRA board chairman Jeff Miller, of Emerald, is the team roping header leader from runner-up, Hughenden cowboy Clancy Middleton.
The one Victorian standings leader is Cherie O'Donoghue in breakaway roping.
Hunter Valley (NSW) cowboy Jason O'Hearn is the standings leader in the bull ride earning the most money of any competitor in a single event.
Tamworth cowboy Darren Clarke is just in front of Goondiwindi rider Jake Marshall in bareback standings.
Moree cowgirl Wendy Caban is just in front of Tenielle Little in the barrel race standings.
Rodeo program in Queensland: September 13 - RM Williams Longreach Invitational Rodeo; September 20 -Toowoomba BTD; September 27 - Springsure; October 4 - Injune; October 24-26 - Warwick.
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Shea Fisher needs to place at Warwick
SUNSHINE Coast cowgirl Shea Fisher needs to place at the Warwick Rodeo in late October to ensure she qualifies for the Australian Professional Rodeo Association finals at the Gold Coast on January 8-11.
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At the beginning of August, Fisher was in 10th place on the standings in the barrel race.
The top 15 in each of the eight APRA open events qualify for the finals.
In the barrel race, Teneille Little, of Roma, and Moree cowgirl Wendy Caban have won almost twice as much money as the third-placed rider so will go into the finals as the favourites.
But with the finals sudden death, each of the top 15 has an equal chance of winning the coveted buckles.
APRA members have this weekend off and then some rodeos for circuit points before the next championship points rodeo at Springsure on September 27.
The Warwick Rodeo on October 24-26 is one of the three biggest on the APRA circuit. With large prizemoney on offer, competitors can boost their ranking by up to 10 places with a top performance at a rodeo dubbed "Australia's most famous".
The three visiting North American cowboys have finished their Australian commitments with some success at the Darwin Rodeo.
Kyle German was first and third in the rounds and first overall in the bareback at Darwin.
Steve Dollarhide won the saddle bronc with fellow North American cowboy Justen Washburn third.
Dollarhide and Washburn won the team roping at Darwin to cap off a successful rodeo for the overseas visitors.
Darwin winners: Saddle bronc - Steve Dollarhide; bull ride - Brad Pierce; bareback - Kyle German; team roping - Terry Evison; steer wrestling - Peter Allen; team roping - Justen Washburn and Steve Dollarhide, barrel race - Elly Hulls; breakaway roping - Wendy Burgermeister; second division saddle bronc - Carl Chambers; second division bull ride - Brydon Aitkins; junior steer ride - Ty-James Parkinson; junior breakaway - Casey-Lee Collins; junior barrel race - Larissa Ainsley.
Rodeo program in Queensland: September 6 - Gladstone Bull Ride; September 13 - RM Williams Longreach Invitational Rodeo; September 20 -Toowoomba BTD; September 27 - Springsure; October 4 - Injune; October 11 - Rockhampton; October 24-26 - Warwick.
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Longreach
EMERALD cowgirl Leanne Kenny has recorded two seconds in the Queensland championships in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association.
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Kenny was second in both the barrel race and breakaway roping at the championships last weekend at the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame at Longreach. Her husband Shane won the rope and tie.
There was a three-way tie in the saddle bronc ride between Denny Swadling, of Tamworth, James Crozier, of Moura, and Tibooburra cowboy Anthony Caldwell. All three scored 77 to finish two points in front of Warwick cowboy Lucas Wilson, and Andrew Bourke, of Marlborough, who split fourth.
Goondiwindi cowboy Jim Rowsell won the bull ride from Cameron Byrne, of Warwick, with Tamworth cowboy Tim Amey third.
An APRA championship points rodeo will be held at Moura on Friday main performance from 6.30pm. (August 22)
Rodeo program in Queensland: August 22 - Moura; September 6 - Gladstone Bull Ride; September 13 - RM Williams Longreach Invitational Rodeo; September 20 -Toowoomba; September 27 - Springsure; October 4 - Injune; October 24-26 - Warwick.
Queensland championship results: Junior Barrel Race: 1. M Saunders - 15.877 seconds, 2. R. Charles - 16.022, 3. B. Weier - 16.063; 1. Team Roping: T. Caban and K. Kenny - 5.95, 2. W. Hale & S. Iker - 7.7, 3. A. Lillyman & P. Young - 7.75; Bull Ride: 1. J. Rowsell - 78 points, 2. C. Byrne - 77, 3. T. Amey - 74; 4. S. Colley - 70; Bareback: 1. A. Turner - 67, 2. D. Smith - 66; Saddle Bronc: 1. J. Crozier tied with D. Swadling and A. Caldwell - 77, 2 (4th) L. Wilson tied with A. Bourke - 75; Barrel Race: 1. S. Little - 16.586, 2. L. Kenny - 16.607, 3. J. Green - 16.779; Breakaway Roping: 1. Zoe Swain - 3, 2. L. Kenny - 3.05, 3. L. Caban - 3.2; Rope & Tie: 1. S.Kenny - 10.1, 2. S. Purse - 10.6, 3. R. Lincoln - 10.9; Steer Wrestling: 1. R. Lincoln - 4.55, 2. J. Reynolds - 4.85, 3. L. Kimber & G. Walker - 4.95.
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Cloncurry
BOULIA cowboy Grant Wells scored 83 to win the open bull ride at the Cloncurry Merry Muster Rodeo last weekend.
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Australian Professional Rodeo Association general manager Steve Hilton said the Cloncurry rodeo was an outstanding success.
"There was a really good crowd on Saturday night," Hilton said.
Most of the competitors who ventured to Cloncurry will be joined by many more for this week's Mt Isa Rodeo Rodeo.
There will be some mid-week action but the main events are from 9.30am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (August 8-10) at the Buchanan Park complex.
Wells hails from Boulia and won the open bull ride at Cloncurry from a field of 47.
He scored 83 to win by one point from Upper Horton cowboy Ryan Gill.
Thargomindah cowboy Anthony Caldwell won the inaugural Ken Coleman Memorial Saddle Bronc Ride.
There was a minute's silence in memory of Coleman, a legend of rodeo and the outback, who died recently after a long illness.
Three Cabans were in the money at Cloncurry.
Moree cowgirl Wendy Caban won the barrel race to move closer to Teneille Little at the top of the standings.
Her sister-in-law Leanne Caban, of Emerald, was second in the barrel race. Leanne' s husband Dale combined with fellow Emerald cowboy Jeff Miller to finish second in the team roping.
Caban and Miller finished behind winners Norm Stagg and Brodie Moss in a field of 78.
There are 92 nominations for the team roping at Mt Isa this week.
Overall, there are 366 nominations in open events and 190 in junior and second-division events at Mt Isa.
Sixty five cowboys have nominated for the open bull ride and 58 in the second division.
A feature of the Mt Isa Rodeo this weekend will be the appearance of some North Americans. Steve Dollarhide and Justen Washburn, of the United States, are in a field of 42 in the saddle bronc ride and Canadian Kyle German will contest the bull ride.
Cloncurry placings: Breakaway roping - 1 Cherie O'Donoghue, 2 Kerry Turner; team roping - 1 Norm Stagg, Brody Moss, 2 Dale Caban, Jeff Miller; rope and tie - 1 Kacey Kenny, 2 Dale Caban; barrel race - 1 Wendy Caban, 2 Leanne Caban; steer wrestling - 1 Errol Frain, 2 Brad Cavanagh; bull ride - 1 Grant Wells, 2 Ryan Gill; saddle bronc - 1 Anthony Caldwell, 2 Ricky Knutsen; bareback - 1 Stuart Frame, 2 Greg Leys/Lee Bowker.
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Northern Run
AUSTRALIAN Professional Rodeo Association board chairman Jeff Miller has news for all aspiring competitors this year - more money will be needed to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in January.
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In an association where every dollar won at a rodeo equals one point in the standings, only the top-15 in each event will qualify for the January 8-11 finals at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
Miller said last Saturday's rodeo at Emerald was one of the best to be held in Central Queensland.
"The bucking stock were as good as we have seen in this part of the country," Miller said.
Garry McPhee, of Victoria, and NSW contractors Gill Brothers provided horses and bulls.
Central Queensland contractor Shane Iker supplied bulls and Matt Busby bucked out some horses.
Miller said the Northern Run which started at Emerald on Saturday and will finish at Mt Isa on August 6-10 was shaping up well.
"Competitors sat at home during the equine influenza (EI) lockdown and are all keen to go," Miller said.
"This will be one of the most supported Northern Runs so with more competitors travelling, more money will be needed to qualify for the finals."
Some South Australian competitors will compete to Taroom on Saturday (July 19) and then travel on compete at Longreach, Cloncurry, Mt Isa and Darwin rodeos on successive weekends.
Many of the Queensland competitors will opt for Winton on August 16 rather than Darwin.
McPhee is the contractor for the Taroom Rodeo which starts at 2pm Saturday (July 19) at the showgrounds.
In the APRA standings, Emerald cowgirl Leanne Kenny has regained the lead in the breakaway roping standings with victory at her hometown rodeo and made it a double with a win in the barrel race.
Other Central Queensland winners were Jeff Miller and Shane Kenny in the team roping. Miller has regained the lead in the heading standings and Kenny has increased his lead in the heeler standings.
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Barrel Racing!!
ROMA cowgirl Teneille Little might be leading the standings in the barrel race in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association but won't get it all her own way in the finals in January.
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Little and Moree cowgirl Wendy Caban have won twice as much prizemoney since the start of the 2007 year than the rest of the barrel racers.
But there are two stages to winning a title.
The first is to finish in the top-15 to qualify and the second is to perform best overall in the five rounds at the finals.
APRA general manager Steve Hilton said Little and Caban would start favourites but would not get it all their own way.
"Bridget Brandenburg (Biloela) is fourth in the standings after consistent performances and hasn't competed in any of the southern rodeos," Hilton said.
Victorian rider Cherie O'Donoghue is eighth on the standings and a regular winner of the all-around cowgirl title while Tania Schiller, of Wagga Wagga, is the most prolific title winner in the barrel race in the APRA and is just outside the top-15 in 18th place.
Defending champion Cathie Raaen, of Coolah, NSW, is 15th and likes the finals venue at the Gold Coast.
Hilton said the barrel race was one of the highlights of the 2006 finals when crowds of up to 4500 watched the best of the best at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
"The 2007-2008 finals are at the same venue on January 8-11," Hilton said.
"There will be a second matinee performances on either the Saturday or Sunday.
"We are keeping the finals at five rounds but on one less day which reduces the cost at the Gold Coast for the competitors and fans."
Nominations will be accepted next week (July 2-3) for the Emerald Pro Rodeo on July 12, the first on the Northern Run.
Rodeos follow at Taroom on July 19, Longreach on July 26 and the Cloncurry Merry Muster on August 2-3.
The Northern Run will finish with the Mt Isa Rodeo Rodeo on August 6-10 at Buchanan Park.
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Top of the Standings
MILLMERRAN cowboy Peter Moffatt is the runaway leader in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association saddle bronc standings.
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He leads competitors from three states in the top four.
South Australian cowboy Glen Kent is second, Bruce O'Dell, of Victoria, third, and Anthony Caldwell, of NSW, fourth.
Moffatt won the average at the National Finals Rodeo for 2006.
Defending bareback titleholder Jake Marshall, of Goondiwindi, is on top of the standings in his event, $2000 in prizemoney in front of Darren Clarke, of Quirindi.
Clarke has competed successfully in the United States.
Emerald cowboy Shane Kenny leads the standings in the rope and tie, steer wrestling and open team roping heeler classes.
Clancy Middleton, of Hughenden, is the leader in the team roping header standings from Emerald cowboy and APPA board chairman Jeff Miller.
Roma cowgirl Tenielle Little has made the most money in any horse event to lead the barrel race standings.
The only non-Queenslanders at the top of the standings in their events are Hunter Valley (NSW) bull rider Jason O'Hearn and Lockington (Vic) breakaway roper Cherie O'Donoghue.
Rodeo program: May 30 - Bundaberg Show Bucking Thunder Downunder; May 31 - Casino Beef Week Rodeo; June 7 - Miles BTD; June 8 - Gayndah; Northern Run of five rodeos starts at Emerald on July 12 and ends at Mt Isa on August 6-10.
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Easter Rodeo!
MILLMERRAN cowboy Peter Moffatt scored 80 on the Garry McPhee horse Highwayman to win the saddle bronc ride at the Easter Saturday Rodeo at Emerald.
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Moffatt won the pro tour title in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association in 2007 and is almost assured of a berth in the finals at the end of the 2008 competition year.
Uralla, NSW, cowboy Chris Lowe won the bull ride with a score of 86 on the Shane Iker bull, Jordan Hook.
During the Easter weekend, successful rodeos were held at Roma and Emerald.
The saddle bronc ride at Roma on Easter Sunday was won by Tamworth cowboy Adam Newman with a score of 80 on APRA Bucking Horse of the Year runner-up Full Monty from the Gill Brothers string.
APRA board member Shane Kenny said both the Roma and Emerald rodeos were run in conjunction with festivals in the towns.
"The level of competition and crowds were really good," Kenny said.
New South Wales beat Queensland to win the State of Origin bull ride at Roma.
From 5pm Saturday (March 29), the rough stock events at the Dirranbandi Show Rodeo will be the Queensland focus in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association.
Bucking stock for the bull ride, saddle and bareback bronc rides are being provided by Malcolm and Eddie Gill from Upper Horton in New South Wales.
OTHER EASTER WINNERS: Emerald: Rope and tie - Shane Kenny; team roping - Shane Kenny and Jeff Miller; steer wrestling - Cameron Bell; barrel race and breakaway roping - Wendy Caban.
Roma: Team roping - Aaron Leahy and Shane Kenny, rope and tie - Troy Caban; steer wrestling - Shane Kenny; breakaway roping - Leanne Caban; barrel race - Wendy Caban; bareback - Bevan Brown; White Bull Tavern BTD Bull Ride - Chris Lowe.
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New National Record
FORMER New Zealand champion Fraser Babbington put South East Queensland on the record books when he broke a 20-year record in Australian Professional Rodeo Association bull riding last weekend.
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Babbington scored 92 on the McPhee Rodeo Co bull Showtime on Saturday (March 8) at Merrijig in Victoria to equal the APRA record first set in 1988.
A day later, Babbington scored 93 on the McPhee bull No Smokin at Chiltern in Victoria to set a new APRA record.
The former record of 92 was first set by Sarina cowboy Troy Dunn on legendary bucking bull Chainsaw at Young in 1988 and equalled a year later by Warwick cowboy Garry Longney on Breathalyser at Dubbo.
Rothbury, NSW, cowboy Jason O'Hearn scored 92 on the Gill Brothers bull Alley Cat two months ago at Tamworth and then Babbington made it four joint record holders at Merrijig before the new record was set on Sunday.
APRA general manager Steve Hilton said Babbington was an aggressive bull rider.
"He won't quit if he gets into trouble," Hilton said.
"Fraser rides good but didn't have the best of runs at Christmas or at the international rodeo at the Gold Coast in January."
The two record scores in Victoria were judged by Brett Ryan and Steve Atkins who officiate at many of the Victorian rodeos.
"Steve qualified for the APRA finals 15 or 16 times in bull riding," Hilton said.
On the Queensland scene, Upper Horton, NSW, bull rider Ryan Gill scored 85 last weekend to win the open event at Woodford in the Brisbane Valley.
In the recent rodeo at the Millmerran Show, promising young Beaudesert cowboy Jared Borghero was the winner.
Rodeo action moves to Comet in Central Queensland on Saturday (March 15) with an afternoon and evening rodeo with all horse events.
There are strong nominations in timed events and the bronc rides.
Press release from APRA head office on 07 4661 8183
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Queensland Rodeos!
A TIMED event shoot-out will be held in conjunction with the Comet Rodeo on March 15.
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Other than the New Year's Eve Rodeo at Emerald, Comet will be the first Australian Professional Rodeo Association championship points rodeo in Queensland with horse events since the outbreak of equine influenza (EI).
Emerald cowboy Shane Kenny is one of the contractors for the stock at Comet and expects large entries.
"There should be good entries with it all (EI) starting to clear up," Kenny said.
The timed events start in the main arena at noon.
From 6pm, a smaller arena will be used for the rough stock events and the shoot-outs in the timed events where the top four in the afternoon go for $200 in each event.
One of the leading contenders in the timed events will be hometown star Wayne McGhee.
It will be the first rodeo for McGhee since he and wife Melissa celebrated the birth of their second daughter.
McGhee will contest the rope and tie, and team roping with Aaron Leahy, of Yeppoon.
Comet cowboy Stuart Brown is in the steer wrestling and team roping.
A large contingent of riders from nearby Emerald will compete.
Kenny has contracted the timed event stock, Shane Iker is the bull contractor for Comet and the bucking horses will be from the strings of Central Queensland contractors Matt Busby and Les Flohr.
APRA March program in Queensland: March 1 - Millmerran Show Rodeo; March 8 - Woodford Rodeo (bull ride only), March 15 - Comet Rodeo; March 21 and 23 - Roma Rodeo; March 22 - Emerald Sunflower Festival Rodeo; March 29 - Dirranbandi Show Rodeo.
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International Action for the Gold Coast
WORLD rookie rodeo champion Brad Pierce will be at the Gold Coast in January for an international bull riding competition.
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The January 9-13 event at the Gold Coast Convention Centre is in the time slot originally booked for the National Finals Rodeo in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association.
Equine influenza has caused the finals to be postponed.
APRA general manager Steve Hilton said Pierce, of the Snowy Mountains, and current APRA bull riding titleholder Rhys Angland, of Wagga Wagga, would be the two Australian representatives in the international.
"We will have two bull riders from each of five competing nations coming to the international competition and another 40 riders for the bull ride each night," Hilton said.
The cream of bucking bulls in the nation will be at the international bull ride, including bulls from Victorian contractors Garry McPhee and Ron Woodall, Gill Brothers and Joh P Gill from New South Wales and Warwick, Queensland, contractor Frank Biddle.
The New Zealand riders for the Gold Coast will be led by current bull ride and all around champion Johnny Ward.
The United States bull riders will be Wes Silcx who is third in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (world) standings and Steve Woolsey.
Canadian all around champion Steve Turner will compete in the bull ride at the Gold Coast as well as competitors from Brazil.
Even the clowns at the Gold Coast will be the best available, including world champion comedy clown Troy Lerwill from the United States.
Press release from APRA 07 46618183.
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PRIORITY FOR VACCINATIONS!!!
STEVE Hilton wants rodeo to be the next cab off the rank after racing when it comes to equine influenza (EI) vaccinations.
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The Australian Professional Rodeo Association general manager said the rodeo stock contractors relied on the sport as their sole livelihood like many in the racing industry.
"We want priority to contractors and those competitors who have qualified for the National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast on January 8-13 and the likely competitors in the Christmas Run of rodeos in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia starting Boxing Day.
"There will be 120 horses involved in timed events at the national finals and 90 bucking horses," Hilton said.
"If the finals can't go ahead, it will mean a massive loss to the Gold Coast and Queensland economies. All of the competitors and many of the fans will stay at the Gold Coast for a week at the finals.
"We need early vaccination as I understand you can't do anything with the horse for the first six weeks."
If the Christmas Run of rodeos doesn't go ahead, the APRA could lose 20 rodeos.
Hilton said he was keen that Department of Primary Industries/Agriculture officials allocate some vaccine to the sport.
"We can select the people to get their horses vaccinated immediately a little like the racing industry has done," Hilton said.
"If we can't have horse events at some of the rodeos early next year, some rodeo committees will organise bull rides but other committees will cancel or postpone the rodeos. In some towns, the rodeo is the major event of the year,"
Rodeo missed the early outbreak of EI in New South Wales and Queensland but some horses involved in the sport have got the dreaded flu in the past fortnight.
The good news in the APRA is that competition will resume on October 20 at 5pm with open and rookie bull rides at a Bucking Thunder Downunder at the Beaudesert Showgrounds.
Gill Brothers from Upper Horton in New South Wales regularly provide the bulls for Beaudesert and 2007 will be no exception.
Action then moves to the famous Warwick Rodeo with a bull ride spectacular on Friday night, October 26, and then more action from noon on October 27.
There will be open and second-division bull rides at Warwick as well as steer and poddy rides and a mutton busters.
More information on the Beaudesert Rodeo on 07 55411893.
Press release from APRA head office on 07 4661 8183.
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Tenielle In The Lead!
ROMA cowgirl Teneille Little has won the most money in any Pro Tour event in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association this season and is set to win the barrel racing pro-tour title.
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The current season for horse events came to an abrupt halt on the last weekend in August when there was a positive to equine influenza (EI) but it is doubtful if anyone would have caught Little who had a $5000 lead in money won going into the final three months of the season.
Little will win from reigning pro-tour barrel racing champion Wendy Caban, of Moree.
Caban won the all-around cowgirl pro-tour title with a second place in the barrel race and fourth in breakaway roping.
With $6000 prizemoney up for grabs at the Warwick Rodeo Bull Ride Spectacular on October 26-27 and two other bull rides on the program up to the end of the season on November 30, Rockhampton cowboy Stuart Frame has an outside chance of overtaking leader Rhys Angland in the battle for the bull ride pro-tour title.
After the EI shutdown of competition, bull riding returns to the APRA with open and novice events at Beaudesert on October 20 at the showgrounds.
The only rodeo with all events before November 30 will be at Melton Mowbray in Tasmania on November 3.
Seldom do competitors transport horses across the bay to Tasmania for a rodeo so it is likely more of the rough stock riders than timed event stars will make the trek to Melton Mowbray.
APRA general manager Steve Hilton said a couple of the riders on the edge of the top-15 rankings approaching the finals could make the effort to travel to Tasmania for the rodeo.
As always, there will be strong nominations from Tasmania for the rodeo.
The Springsure Rodeo Committee was keen to re-schedule its rodeo in November but the event has now been cancelled.
LIKELY PRO-TOUR WINNERS: All around cowboy - Shane Kenny (Emerald, Qld), saddle bronc - Peter Moffatt (Millmerran, Qld), bull ride (three events to go) - current leader Rhys Angland (Wantabadgery, NSW), bareback - Jake Marshall (Goondiwindi, Qld), rope and tie - Shane Kenny (Emerald, Qld), steer wrestling - Shane Kenny (Emerald, Qld), open team roping header - Clancy Middleton (Hughenden, Qld), open team roping heeler - Kacey Kenny (Emerald, Qld), all around cowgirl - Wendy Caban (Moree, NSW), barrel race - Teneille Little (Roma, Qld), breakaway roping - Cherie O'Donoghue (Lockington, Vic).
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First Bulls Since Outbreak
BEAUDESERT will host the first bull ride in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association since the outbreak of equine influenza (EI) in the State.
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A Bucking Thunder Downunder Bull Ride will be held on October 20 at 5pm at the Beaudesert Showgrounds.
The Beaudesert Rodeo will be a forerunner to the most famous rodeo in Australia on October 26-27 at Warwick which is going ahead as a $7500 bull ride spectacular this year.
Beaudesert Rodeo Club secretary Junette Harth said her committee planned its first full performance rodeo in the past four years in October this year.
"It is disappointing that due to EI we can only have open and rookie bull rides on October 20.
"People love bull riding.
"We are hoping for a crowd of more than 2000," Junette said.
"Gill Brothers from Upper Horton in NSW are providing the bulls. We are hoping for 100 bull riders."
Jarred Borghero will head the Beaudesert cowboys competing in the bull ride.
APRA general manager Steve Hilton said organisers of the postponed Springsure Rodeo were hoping to hold the event before the end of the association points year on November 30.
"It is likely Victorian contractor Garry McPhee, who has been at Aramac since the outbreak at EI, will provide some of the stock for Springsure if the rodeo goes ahead," Hilton said.
A small number of competitors need one or two more rodeos to qualify for the APRA National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on January 8-13.
Even if a competitor finishes in the top-15, they won't be able to compete at the finals if they haven't competed in five rodeos.
One competitor who won't be competing is world champion saddle bronc rider Dan Mortensen of the United States who made just more than $4000 in his two rodeos in Australia at Mt Isa and Darwin in August.
Mortensen had no intention of competing in the finals in Australia when he made his one trip down under to compete.
Hilton said he knew of no APRA members who had bucking or competition horses with EI.
While the APRA junior finals which were to be held this year have been cancelled, Hilton said the finals would again be held in conjunction with the 2008 Warwick Rodeo.
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Horse Standstill!
Press release from APRA
THERE is a feeling of helplessness among Australian Professional Rodeo Association members as horse events have come to a virtual standstill due to the outbreak of equine influenza (EI).
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APRA general manager Steve Hilton said it was lucky the Moura Rodeo was on the Friday and not Saturday night on the weekend restrictions were implemented.
"Competitors were lucky to get out of Moura. But if the Department of Primary Industries had come down (ban) 24 hours earlier, EI would have been controlled a lot better.
"Our members were not be caught up in the EI outbreak."
With rodeos at Winton, Longreach and Hervey Bay already cancelled or postponed, Hilton said it was a case of wait and see for the rest of the 2007 program.
Luckily for the APRA, the bulk of the rodeos for 2007 championship points have already been held but for competitors outside the top-15, it could mean they won't be able to make a late charge for the finals.
It is a rule in the APRA that competitors must compete in five rodeos to qualify for the finals. A small group have not yet competed in the required five but Hilton doubts the rule would be changed this year due to EI.
"There are about 80 championship rodeos in the APRA each year and 70 have been held so far," Hilton said.
"APRA members can go to eight rodeos in a week during the Christmas Run down south.
"I will talk to the rest of the board but a change now will set a precedent for the future, what would we do next year if a rodeo is cancelled due to floods."
Hilton said a change this year to let a rider into the finals with three rodeos would be unfair to the competitor who would then miss out.
"We would be ripping off the member in 16th place."
The championship points year for the January 8-13 National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast Convention Centre ends on November 30 and organisers of the Hervey Bay Rodeo have pencilled in November 29 as a possible new date.
Some bull rides are going ahead and will count for top-15 points if the rodeo originally was for championship points.
The bull ride is the only one of the eight APRA open events without the need for a horse.
With the EI outbreaks restricted to Queensland and New South Wales, Hilton said there was a strong chance the Marrabel Rodeo in South Australia could go ahead of September 30.
The ban on horse movements grounded two stock contractors.
Victorian contractor Garry McPhee was at Aramac with 20 horses waiting for the RM Williams Invitational Rodeo at Mt Isa when the ban was implemented and Gill Brothers, from Upper Horton, NSW, were in the Northern Territory after contracting stock for the Darwin Rodeo.
As with thousands nationwide, the loss of rodeos has taken away the main income of many of the stock contractors.
"When rodeos start again, we won't have any problem getting stock as the contractors will need the money," Hilton said.
More information from APRA office on 07 46618183
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Climbing the Pro Tour Ladder After Moura
ROMA cowgirl Teneille Little as firmed as favourite for the Australian Professional Rodeo Association pro-tour barrel racing title with a win at the Moura Coal and Country Festival Rodeo on Friday night.
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(August 24).
Little led the standings at the end of July by $1800 from Victorian competitor Amber Burns.
Moree rider Wendy Caban made a move for the lead on the Northern Run but Little has followed a second at Mt Isa with wins at Darwin and Moura to retain favouritism for the title.
Emerald cowboy Shane Kenny again impressed at Moura with wins in the steer wrestling, rope and tie, and team roping in combination with Aaron Leahy, of Yeppoon.
As is often the case, the bulls won the battle with the cowboys with only Stewart Hay riding time to win $2000.
Gunnedah cowboy Sam Knight scored 74 on Little John in a top field of 21 to win the saddle bronc ride.
New Zealand rider Dave Kermode rode Iron Bark to a score of 77 to win the top money in the bareback.
Kerry Kenny, of Emerald, won the open ladies breakaway roping
The next APRA finals action is at the Warwick Rodeo on October 24-26 when the junior nationals finals will be held.
The third night of the junior finals coincide with the first night of the rough and timed events at the October 26-28 Warwick Rodeo.
The top-10 juniors in each event to September 30 qualify for Warwick.
The most sought after buckle in open competition is at the National Finals Rodeo on January 8-13 next year at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. The top-15 in each event will qualify.
There are also APRA buckles for the pro-tour winners - the most money won at championship events in 2007, and the national circuit finals in which the top-two from each circuit in Australia qualify.
More information from APRA on 07 4661 8183
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Kenny Wins Again!
EMERALD cowboy Shane Kenny has won an all around title for the second weekend in succession in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association.
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After winning the all around at the Mt Isa Rodeo, Kenny flew to Darwin last weekend (August 17-18) to win the steer wrestling, rope and tie and all around.
A win in the steer wrestling at Darwin has given Kenny wins in the three biggest rodeos in northern Australia on successive weekends.
The biggest drawcard at Darwin was seven-times world champion saddle bronc rider Dan Mortensen, of the United States.
Mortensen scored 81 on the Gill Brothers horse Full Monty for a two-round score of 154 to win at Darwin from Tamworth rider Adam Newman who scored 78 in the final on Full Monty.
At the Mt Isa Rodeo on the second weekend in August, Cloncurry cowboy Mavryn Remfrey kept the big money in Australia when he scored 160 in two rounds to beat Mortensen by two points in the saddle bronc ride.
On Friday night (August 24), Kenny is organising the stock for the Moura Coal and Country Festival Rodeo.
Kenny is contracting the stock for the timed events while Shane Iker will provide the bulls and Matt Busby the bucking horses.
After two all-around wins this month and a national circuit win at Mt Isa in May, Kenny goes into the Moura Rodeo in peak form.
"We have top stock and it should be a great rodeo on Friday night," Kenny said.
"There will be a large contingent of Central Queensland competitors and some from other parts of Queensland and interstate as the rodeo is for APRA championship points."
Two cowgirls to watch are Leanne Caban, of Emerald, who won the all around at Darwin after placings in the breakaway roping and barrel race, and Thangool barrel racer Bridget Brandenburg who won the event at Mt Isa and Darwin.
Their toughest opposition in the barrel race will come from pro-tour leader Teneille Little, of Roma.
RODEO PROGRAM: Moura Coal and Country Festival and Rodeo - August 24; RM Williams Invitational Rodeo at Longreach - September 15; Hervey Bay Extreme BTD Rodeo - September 22; Winton - September 22; Springsure - September 29; Beaudesert Rodeo and BTD - October 20; Warwick - October 26-28.
More information from APRA on 07 46618183
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Mt Isa Report!
Cloncurry cowboy Mavryn Remfrey kept the big money in Australia when he beat world championship winner Dan Mortensen by one point in the saddle bronc ride at the Mt Isa Rodeo last weekend.
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Remfrey finished with a score of 160, one ahead of Mortensen.
Mortensen travelled from the United States for one rodeo, Mt Isa, during three weeks in Australia.
He was joined at Mt Isa by two bull riders and one bareback bronc rider from Canada.
Australian Professional Rodeo Association general manager Steve Hilton said the rodeo at Mt Isa was "real good".
"With the best bucking stock in the nation at Mt Isa, only an estimated 15 per cent of cowboys rode time in the bull ride," Hilton said.
One bull rider who did ride time on three bulls was Boulia cowboy Grant Wells who won with a score of 245 and pocketed $18,000, the most on offer in any event at Mt Isa.
Emerald cowboy Shane Kenny went one step closer to taking the lead in the APRA pro tour with a win in the steer wrestling at Mt Isa.
With placings in all events taken into account, he won the all around title at Mt Isa.
Kenny has been to the new Buchanan Park complex at Mt Isa twice this year for two all around wins. Both Kenny and his wife Leanne were the all around winners at the APRA Circuit Finals in May.
Rodeo action will move to the Northern Territory with the Darwin Rotary Rodeo and Extreme Bucking Thunder Downunder and the annual Alice Springs Rodeo both this weekend. (Aug 17-18)
The next Queensland Rodeo is at the Moura Coal and Country Festival on August 24.
Most of the top competitors from the Southern States will be back in Queensland on October 26-28 for the Warwick Rodeo at which $6000 will be on offer in the saddle bronc ride.
Wins at major rodeos like Mt Isa and Warwick also ensure competitors a spot in the top-15 for the National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast on January 8-13.
MT ISA WINNERS: Open events: Rope and tie - Clancy Middleton, winning score/time 22.5; barrel race - Bridget Brandenburg, 35.059; breakaway roping - Jan Saunders. 6.2; team roping - Brendan Kenny and Mark Knox, 19.3; bareback bronc - Darren Clarke, 234.
Second division: Bull ride - Joel Lillymann, 141; bareback bronc - Ben Seeds, 136; saddle bronc - Anthony Hicks 141.
Junior: Barrel race - Tayla-Maree Johnston, 17.093; bull ride - Ben Willis, 132.
Over 50s team roping: Murray Whitwell and Neta Wharton.
Wild horse racing - Billfinger Berger.
Local station buckjump - Fred Turner.
RODEO PROGRAM: Darwin - August 17-18; Alice Springs - August 18, Moura Coal and Country Festival and Rodeo - August 24; RM Williams Invitational Rodeo at Longreach - September 15; Hervey Bay Extreme BTD Rodeo - September 22; Winton - September 22; Springsure - September 29; Beaudesert Rodeo and BTD - October 20; Warwick - October 26-28.
More information from APRA on 07 46618183
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Steer Wrestling Champ wins Rope & Tie at Cloncurry
Less than a year after getting serious about the rope and tie, Yeppoon cowboy Errol Frain (who is the current Australian Steer Wrestling champ) won the event at the Cloncurry Rodeo.
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Last year, Frain proved to be the best steer wrestler in the nation and made the National Finals Rodeo. He was third in the steer wrestling at Cloncurry to be the best performed overall competitor at Cloncurry.
Cloncurry winners: Saddle Bronc: Clint Harm, Bull Ride: Cody Tapp, Bareback: Darren Clarke, Rope & Tie: Errol Frain, Steer Wrestling: Shane Kenny, Team Roping: Adam Knowles and Jamie Reynolds, Barrel Race: Wendy Caban, Breakaway Roping: Stacey Wilburn
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O'Dell Chasing Big Money
FORMER Aramac cowboy Bruce O'Dell will return home to Queensland to chase the big money on offer at the Mt Isa Rodeo on August 8-12.
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O'Dell and Millmerran cowboy Peter Moffatt are the current leaders in the battle for the Australian Professional Rodeo Association pro-tour title in the saddle bronc ride and wins at any of the big three rodeos, Cloncurry, Mt Isa and Warwick, will go a long way towards securing the title.
In May, O'Dell won the saddle bronc ride at the Melbourne International Rodeo but his main riding since then has been educating a couple of young horses on his property at Avoca near Ballarat.
O'Dell works as a farrier for six horse trainers at Ballarat so is unable to compete at Cloncurry this weekend (August 4-5).
He admits it is a bit hard on his back being "under" horses all week in his job as a farrier.
But when it comes to the weekend and the chance of an eight-second ride on a bucking bronc, O'Dell is pretty keen to get on top of a horse.
At age 39, some cowboys are ready to hang up their spurs.
O'Dell could say, "been there, done that" - well almost.
Before the 2006 Christmas Run in the Southern States, he gave thought to retiring after the National Finals Rodeo in January.
"My mind during the Christmas Run was in retirement mode and I didn't ride well," O'Dell said.
He had a heart-to-heart talk to his wife Jane about his career and to rodeo contractor John "Happy" Gill and decided to get serious again.
"Now I am not going to plan retirement. When the fun is gone, I will just retire."
While the O'Dells have bought land at Avoca in Victoria, he loves the chance to get home to Queensland, the State of his heritage.
His parents Garth and Pam O'Dell have now moved from Aramac to Monto but made the trip to the 2006 Warwick Rodeo and the January finals at the Gold Coast to watch their son.
Henry O'Dell, a brother of Bruce, has now retired after a successful career as a bull rider.
There are plenty of targets to keep the Avoca cowboy interested, a possible back-to-back win at Mt Isa this month, a fourth pro tour title and the chance to go for his second finals buckle after winning for the first time in 2005.
O'Dell has already booked his flights to the Mt Isa and Darwin rodeos at a combined cost of $1600.
"Due to work, I can't get to every rodeo so have to make each one count for the pro-tour title," he said.
One rodeo he is missing is at Cloncurry this weekend when most of the best saddle bronc riders in the land will head north for the Cloncurry/Mt Isa double.
The winner at Cloncurry won't want to get complacent as O'Dell and seven-times world champion Dan Mortensen will join them at Mt Isa.
Mortensen is the most prolific saddle bronc winner at the world championship and will only contest one rodeo in a three-week visit to Australia.
On the last weekend in October, the O'Dells will be on the road to the Warwick Rodeo where he will contest the saddle bronc ride and Jane will compete in the barel race on Bandit, a horse she has spelled since winning at the Melbourne International Rodeo.
APRA PROGRAM: Cloncurry - August 4-5; Mt Isa - August 8-12; Rocky Roundup - August 17-19; Moura Coal and Country Festival and Rodeo - August 24.
More information from APRA on 07 4661 8183.
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USA Champ Heading For Mt Isa
THE best of the best in saddle bronc riding, United States champion Dan Mortensen, will compete at the Mt Isa Rodeo on August 8-12.
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In 2003, Mortensen became the first rodeo competitor in the world to pass $2 million (US) in prizemoney.
He now has $2,392,167 (US) and will be in Australia for three weeks.
Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) general manager Steve Hilton said it was likely the Mt Isa Rodeo would be the only event Mortensen would contest in Australia during a career in which he has won a record seven Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) titles.
"Dan is battling a few injuries so is having a year off the PRCA circuit," Hilton said.
"The Calgary Stampede and Mt Isa are the only rodeos he will contest this year."
Mortensen showed with a win in round one at the Calgary Stampede that a little time out of the saddle has not resulted in a loss of form.
Hilton said he expected some fans to make the extra effort to attend the Mt Isa Rodeo this year just to see Mortensen.
The United States rodeo legend will join with Adam Newman to coach at a bronc riding school at Tamworth on August 4-5 before heading north to Mt Isa.
At Mt Isa, Mortensen will contest the first round and Hilton is confident he will have the horse power to almost guarantee a place in the final.
Bucking horses at Mt Isa will come from Garry McPhee, of Lurg, Victoria; Gill Brothers from Upper Horton; Cloncurry contractor Allan Remfrey and Robert McPhee, of Rockhampton.
Mortensen's toughest opposition at Mt Isa will come from current pro-tour leader Bruce O'Dell, of Ballarat (Victoria), Moura (Queensland) cowboy James Crozier, Strathalbyn (South Australia) saddle bronc rider Glen Kent, Adam Newman, of Tamworth (NSW) and Millmerran (Queensland) rider Peter Moffatt.
Last weekend, Moffatt split first at the Emerald Rodeo with Andrew Bourke, of Marlborough, to challenge O'Dell for the pro-tour lead in the APRA.
Mortensen will be joined by his wife Darla after Mt Isa and the couple plan some hunting, barra fishing and bull catching on the stations in the far north of Australia before returning to the United States on August 26.
The third rodeo on the Northern Run is at Taroom on Saturday (July 21) from 2pm at the Taroom Showgrounds and large nominations have been received in all eight events. There are 41 nominations in the two bull rides and 31 in the open barrel race.
RODEO PROGRAM:
July 21 - Taroom; July 28 - Stockmans Hall of Fame at Longreach; August 4-5 - Cloncurry; August 8-12 - Mt Isa.
More information from APRA on 07 4661 8183
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Cabans Head to Injune
THE Cabans from Moree will be at Injune on Saturday (July 7) to try to win championship points in the first rodeo on the Australian Professional Rodeo Association Northern Run.
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Wendy Caban won the APRA Pro Tour last year in barrel racing with almost $4500 more prizemoney than the second placegetter.
She wasn't as successful as she had hoped for at the National Finals Rodeo in January and looks set to qualify again but needs a strong Northern Run to challenge for the pro tour lead again this year.
Wendy travelled to Victoria on the long weekend in March for a second at Chiltern and third at Merrijig but hasn't competed in as many rodeos as some of the cowgirls on the tour.
Her husband Troy needs money at Injune in the team roping to boost his chances of another top-15 finish (and finals appearance) in the header standings in team roping.
Last year, Troy finished sixth in header standings with $3848 in prizemoney. His brother Dale, of Emerald, has also nominated in the team roping.
With so much interest in qualifying for the January 8-13 National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, many interstate competitors are heading to Injune for the rodeo on Saturday.
Star NSW rider Glen Mansfield and current APRA champion Jake Marshall, of Goondiwindi, are the bareback favourites.
There are 30 nominations in both the barrel race and breakaway roping, including star rookie Tenielle Hanrahan, of Emerald.
In the bull ride, top bull Bodacious, owned by Noel McPhee, of Injune, has been drawn by Warren Winters.
Hometown hero Jeremy Shaw will ride King Loui in the saddle bronc ride, an event which has attracted 28 nominations.
There are 43 team roping combinations and 23 steer wrestlers led by Central Queensland pair Shane Kenny and Errol Frain.
The second of the six Northern Run Rodeos is on July 14 at Emerald.
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Grant Hanrahan - Team Roper
AFTER recording a fifth in the rope and tie at the Emerald Easter Rodeo, Grant Hanrahan is hoping to improve four places in the second rodeo for the year in his hometown Emerald on Saturday (July 14).
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Hanrahan first qualified for the Australian Professional Rodeo Association finals at the age of 16 in 2005 in the rope and tie and last year made it to the top-15 in team roping.
Last weekend, he just finished out of a place in the rope and tie at the Injune Rodeo.
He is competing on a new horse Stanley for the first time at Emerald, a horse he bought through the Rockhampton Quarter Horse Sale.
With more than half the season over, Hanrahan has almost made enough money in the team roping header standings to be assured of a spot for the National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on January 8-13.
"I need a lot more money to make the finals in the rope and tie," Hanrahan said.
"My aim this year is to make the finals in both."
In team roping, the apprentice cabinet maker from Emerald will team with Warren Lamb, of Taroom, for one of his rounds and also with Wayne McGhee, of Comet.
A record number of nominations have been received in rough and timed events for the Emerald Rodeo with 38 in both the open bull ride and team roping and 27 in the open saddle bronc ride.
The best horses and bulls in the nation will be at Emerald. Horses for the saddle and bareback rides have been contracted by Garry McPhee, of Victoria, and Gill Brothers from Upper Horton in NSW.
Bulls will come from Gill Brothers and Central Queensland contractor Shane Iker.
The Emerald Rodeo has two performances, 1.30pm and 6pm, sessions on Saturday at the Emerald Showgrounds.
Last weekend, the APRA Northern Run started at Injune with Jeremy Shaw winning the saddle bronc rodeo for the first time at his hometown rodeo. Shaw now lives at Ben Lomond in NSW but still calls Injune home.
Darwin bull rider Mark Lambert made a long drive worthwhile with a win at Injune.
Other winners: Wendy Caban - barrel race; Aaron Leahy and Wayne McGhee - team roping; Shane Kenny - steer wrestling; Paul Emerson - rope and tie; Emma Leahy - breakaway roping; Jake Marshall - bareback.
APRA Northern Run: July 14 - Emerald; July 21 Taroom; July 28 - Stockman's Hall of Fame, Longreach; August 4-5 - Cloncurry; August 8-12 - Mt Isa.
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Kenny Wins at Finals!
HUSBAND-and-wife team Shane and Leanne Kenny won the all around titles at last weekend's National Circuit Finals in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association in Mt Isa.
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As the most successful competitor in the history of the APRA, Shane was odds-on favourite to win the all around cowboy award.
He won both rounds of the rope-and-tie with times of 9.2 and 9.5 seconds to win the individual event as well as the all-around.
Leanne continued her outstanding form in the past three months and won the cowgirl title with consistent performances.
She was second in both the breakaway roping and barrel racing.
APRA general manager Steve Hilton said the competitors at the circuit finals gave the thumbs up to the new Buchanan Park Rodeo Arena.
"It is a purpose-built arena which is definitely the best in the country," Hilton said.
"There are a few minor things to be changed but that was always to be expected.
"The competitors rate the arena excellent and the Mt Isa Rodeo in August promises to be bigger and better than ever."
The new arena proved a good omen for competitors from the far north with Cloncurry brothers Jason and Troy Mara starring in the bull ride.
The brothers split second with a score of 72 on Saturday and Jason won the second round on Sunday with 75 to win overall.
Jason was the only cowboy to ride both his bulls at the weekend.
He and Warwick cowboy Ashley Byrne were the only two to ride time in round two of the bull ride at the circuit finals.
Mt Isa barrel racer Wendy Christie won the first round of the barrel race in her home town.
Normanton bareback bronc rider Lee Bowker scored 67, 76 and 73 to win the national circuit title. He won the second round, split first in the third round with Jake Marshall, of Goondiwindi, and finished fourth in the first round.
APRA all-around pro-tour leader Clancy Middleton went home to Hughenden with another title buckle after winning the steer wrestling.
OTHER WINNERS: Saddle bronc - James Crozier; barrel race - Teneille Little; breakaway roping - Yvonne Emerson; team roping - Stuart Brown and Kacey Kenny.
More information from APRA office on 4661 8183
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Aussies on PRCA Standings
Anthony Bello (as at 12 June) is in sixth place on USA Saddle Bronc standings with $34,338 and rocketing up behind him is Scott Keogh in 20th spot with $16,898.
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Brad Pierce is slipping a little after an injury forced him home, to 11th with $33,518. Other competitors overseas at the moment include: Sam Spreadborough, Riley Gibson, David Worsfold.
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Iker's Bulls Head To Emerald
THE bucking bulls of Rockhampton contractor Shane Iker could be the stars of the show at the Emerald Rodeo on July 14.
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Iker contracted his A pen bulls for the Comet Rodeo in March and every bulls bucked his rider off before the eight-second buzzer.
But with Emerald being week two of the Northern Run and all cowboys chasing money to qualify for the end of the year finals, a strong field of riders will be at Emerald and some scores are on the cards.
Emerald Rodeo organiser Shane Kenny said Iker's B pen of bulls all showed outstanding form at the Easter rodeo at Emerald.
"He is bringing his A pen of bulls to the July 14 rodeo," Kenny said.
"Shane is a bit of a quiet achiever with his bulls."
Three of the contenders for the Australian Professional Rodeo Association Bucking Bull of the Year award, Iker's Cowboy Way and Gill Brothers pair Hard Yards and Lethal Injection will be in action at Emerald.
Away from the rough stock end of the arena, Iker will be busy as he chases money in the rope and tie.
He won the event at Gayndah early this month and also won at Emerald at Easter and Comet so has good form on the board.
With the top-15 in each event qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast on January 8-13, Iker will be looking for a placing at Emerald as he is currently in 15th place with half the season to go.
The Gill Brothers string of horses from Upper Horton in New South Wales will be used for the saddle bronc and bareback at Emerald.
If nomination numbers warrant, some stock will be used from the classy string of Victorian contractor Garry McPhee.
McPhee is contracting at the Injune Rodeo on July 7 and then at Taroom on July 21 so will be in Queensland at the time.
Kenny said the Emerald Rodeo was being sponsored for a second time by the BMA Mining company which operates the Gregory and Crinum mines.
With at least 75mm rain in the Central Highlands in the past month, Kenny said he was hopeful of a large crowd at the rodeo.
"We could have a lot of happy farmers and graziers at the rodeo after the rain," Kenny said.
The Emerald Rodeo is in conjunction with the Ag-Grow Field Days with day three of the field days coinciding with the rodeo.
Northern Run APRA Rodeos: July 7 - Injune; July 14 - Emerald; July 21 - Taroom; July 28 Stockman's Hall of Fame, Longreach; August 4-5 - Cloncurry; August 8-12 Mt Isa.
Timed event jackpots: July 31/August 1 - Richmond Ten Head at Richmond; August 2 - Leichhardt Hotel Jackpot at Cloncurry Rodeo Grounds; August 7 - Mt Isa Jackpot at Buchanan Park.
More information from APRA head office on 4661 8183.
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Shaw Heads North
JEREMY Shaw will be heading home on July 7 as the Australian Professional Rodeo Association Northern Run kicks off at the Injune Rodeo.
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Shaw, 31, has moved to Ben Lomond in the New England area of New South Wales in the past year.
After only competing in five rodeos in the first five months of the season, Shaw bounded into the top-15 in pro-tour standings with a win on a Gill Brothers horse at the Gayndah Rodeo on the Queen's Birthday long weekend.
The win at Gayndah gives him a great chance to consolidate a spot in the top-15 during the Northern Run of rodeos starting in Injune on July 7.
Shaw was second last year in the saddle bronc ride at the first pro rodeo held at Injune for a number of years.
The Injune Rodeo will be a chance for Shaw to catch up with his parents and go for his first APRA win on home soil.
While based in New South Wales, he does return home to Injune for branding and weaning, whatever is required.
Last year, JS Grazing (Shaw family) bought a property at Ben Lomond between Glen Innes and Guyra where Shaw and his fiancee Julie Hoath live.
"We breed cattle at Injune and then take them through to the feeder market at Ben Lomond," Shaw said.
While the season is bad at Injune, he said seasonal conditions at Ben Lomond and a new property they have bought at Nundle, near Tamworth, were good.
"Our annual rainfall is 1000mm at Ben Lomond, we had snow here a couple of weeks ago," Shaw said.
After 10 years on the saddle bronc circuit, Shaw has no intention of retiring.
"The moment I aren't enjoying it, I will retire and go campdrafting," Shaw said.
He finds it easier to get to more rodeos from Ben Lomond travelling with Glen Mansfield and Kerry Wellington to rodeos as far away as Central Queensland and Victoria on a weekend.
When he does retire, it will only be to the campdrafting cut-out yard.
Both he and fiancee Julie compete in campdrafting and have been to 10 so far this year.
While she is the main campdrafter and a regular placegetter at this time, Shaw has runs on the board in the sport after winning the Chinchilla Grandfather Clock Campdraft, one of the big three on the circuit in 1995.
Since leaving school, the sporting focus of Shaw has been on rodeo and campdrafting.
He played hooker in rugby union while a boarder at Rockhampton Grammar School but was always keen to catch a bus to the nearest campdraft on weekends.
In the past five years, he has concentrated on rodeo and made the APRA National Finals Rodeo four or five times.
"This year's at the Gold Coast Convention Centre was the best even though I didn't do any good," Shaw said.
Each week, he is on a horse for work four or five days and sees saddle bronc riding as an extension of work.
He just competes in one event, saddle bronc, after trying bull riding for a short time.
"I think the score with the bulls was me one and the bulls three or four," he said.
In 2001, Shaw competed in Canada for four months.
He had enough success to pay his way and was planning to compete in North America again two to three years ago but the drought put an end to that sporting dream.
"I would love to go back but don't think I will get there."
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APRA, Bigger and Better Every Day!
AUSTRALIAN Professional Rodeo Association chairman Jeff Miller is upbeat about the growth in competitor interest in the past year.
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"The move of the National Finals Rodeo to the Gold Coast has a lot to do with the growth," Miller said.
"With the increased interest, it will take more money to qualify for the finals so competitors are travelling more.
"There are a lot of new people in the sport, especially from Central Queensland."
A number of APRA members are even planning to compete at Rockhampton and Darwin rodeos on the one weekend.
They will compete in the Rockhampton Roundup on August 18 and then fly to Darwin for the second day of the Darwin Rotary Rodeo on August 19.
Some of the timed event competitors will have horses in both centres as they chase money towards a top-15 finish to qualify for the finals.
Last weekend, Miller rated the Gayndah Rodeo held in conjunction with the Orange Festival as the best he had been to in the North Burnett town.
"All the accommodation in town was booked out," Miller said.
"There was a large crowd."
It wasn't just Queensland competitors who headed to Gayndah. Winners in the rough stock events included Jason O'Hearn, of Newcastle, in the bull ride and Tamworth rider Glen Mansfield in the bareback.
He said many committees were approaching the APRA regarding affiliation.
"Our association has the growth Australia-wide," Miller said.
There is a rodeo at Springsure for the first time in 15 years on September 15 for championship points and a new rodeo planned at Tieri in Central Queensland later in the year.
The APRA chairman also competes on the circuit and celebrated his first week in Central Queensland with a team roping win at Gayndah in partnership with Shane Kenny.
Miller, his wife Shellie and their son Kobe have just moved from Warwick to Emerald where he is running a transport company.
There will be more team roping practice for Miller now they are only living 15km from Kenny.
"I also might compete in the rope and tie later in the year," Miller said.
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Teneille's Home Again
AFTER four months on the road competing at rodeos in the Southern States, Teneille Little is back home at Hughenden in Queensland.
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She is currently second on the barrel racing standings in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association after a strong start to the season on her horse Boree Bar.
Teneille won an APRA national title and pro-tour title on Boree Bar in 2005.
Her first Queensland rodeo for the year will be the National Circuit Finals at Mt Isa on May 26-27.
The rodeo will start the day after the May 25 opening of the new rodeo arena at Buchanan Park which promises non-stop action with 10 chutes at the rough stock end of the arena.
At Mt Isa, Teneille will come up against her mother Janelle Little, of Roma, in the barrel race.
With two representatives of each circuit in Australia qualifying for the finals, both mother and daughter will be there.
Teneille was first in the Golden Run (North and Central Queensland) circuit and Janelle second behind Warwick cowgirl Shellie Miller in the Sunshine (South Queensland) circuit.
"I loved the old arena at Mt Isa but it will be really good to try out the new arena," Teneille said.
For the first four months of the year, Teneille and partner Clancy Middleton have competed at most APRA rodeos in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia as they travelled the circuit with four horses.
They started well during the Christmas Run when they won the golden and silver spurs at the Myrtleford Rodeo in Northern Victoria for best performances at the rodeos.
On the Victorian long weekend in March, Teneille won a memorial plate at the Chiltern Rodeo presented in memory of a female fire fighter who lost her life in a fire.
Now back in Queensland, Teneille and Clancy will both compete in the circuit finals and then prepare for the seven-week Northern Run which starts at Injune on July 7 and finishes at Mt Isa on August 8-12.
With prizemoney of $8000 so far and a top-two barrel racing ranking, Teneille is already assured of a spot in the National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast convention Centre on January 8-13 next year.
"The Gold Coast finals venue has taken rodeo to a new level," Teneille said.
"There is great support from the people of the Gold Coast, we have children lining up to get our autographs."
While less than half the season is over, Clancy is also assured of spots in the nationals finals at the Gold Coast in the rope and tie, steer wrestling and team roping.
He is in the top-four in APRA rankings in his three events.
RODEO PROGRAM: May 25 - Maryborough Bucking Thunder Downunder (BTU), May 26-27 National Circuit Finals - Mt Isa, June 1 - Bundaberg Show BTU, June 2 - Maleny Show BTU, June 9 - Beaudesert BTD, June 10 - Gayndah, June 23 Springsure.
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First Rodeo for Buchannan Complex
JOYCE McCulloch expects a large crowd at the first rodeo in the new Buchanan Park complex at Mt Isa on May 26-27.
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Competitors from all over Australia will compete in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association National Circuit Finals from 7.30pm on May 26 and noon on May 27.
McCulloch, the Mt Isa Rotary Rodeo general manager, said the arena, seating and all structural work had been completed.
"Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes will be in Mt Isa to perform at the official opening of the new complex on the Friday night, May 25," McCulloch said.
"There is a huge amount of excitement about the new venue which will seat 5500.
"Plenty of people will come along for a sticky beak as the move from the former rodeo grounds at Kalkadoon Park has been controversial.
"Some people were keen to stay at the old venue for historic reasons."
The Buchanan Park arena has been constructed at the existing racecourse and has 10 chutes for rough stock events.
McCulloch said Mt Isa now had the only underground tunnel for timed events in Australia.
"A lot of APRA members and stock contractors helped plan the rodeo facility," McCulloch said.
"There is an huge increase in prizemoney for the National Circuit Finals and the annual Mt Isa Rotary Rodeo on August 8-12."
Some Queensland competitors will head to Melbourne on Saturday night for the Australia versus The World International Rodeo at the Vodafone Arena.
Competitors will come from Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, United States and Australia.
RODEO PROGRAM: May 4 - Richmond; May 6 - St George Bucking Thunder Downunder; May 25 - Maryborough BTD; May 26-27 - National Circuit Finals; June 1 - Bundaberg Show BTD; June 2 - Maleny Show BTD; June 9 - Beaudesert BTD; June 10 - Gayndah; June 23 - Springsure.
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Clint Harm Success!
WORK takes precedence in the life of Marmor cowboy Clint Harm who reached a career high early this year when he won the Australian Professional Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo title in the saddle bronc ride.
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"When I thought I had a good chance in the finals, I didn't win," Harm said.
"This year, I didn't give myself much chance.
"I got engaged (to Tylie Stanford) the day before the finals which must have changed everything."
Harm, 35, showed you don't have to be in the 20s to be the best at the finals.
It was his sixth appearance at the finals and his first win. He previously won the Sunshine Circuit bull riding title but now just concentrates on saddle bronc horses.
He is already thinking about the next round of finals on January 8-13 next year at the Gold Coast.
But he has some catching up to do after missing most of the early season rodeos due to work commitments.
He is in charge of a crew of 40 as area manager for construction company John Holland Pty Ltd in the mining industry at Blackwater.
Work means it is not easy to jump in the car and drive 1000 kilometres to two rodeos on a weekend.
But he made up for lost time just before Easter with second placings in the saddle bronc ride at the Comet and Emerald rodeos.
In two APRA rodeos this season, it is two placings from two rides.
He will be at Captains Creek (Agnes Waters) on April 28 and is a definite to compete in the Northern Run which starts at Injune on July 7 and finishes with the Mt Isa Rodeo at the new arena on August 8-12.
"Due to work, I usually rely on strong performances at major rodeos like Mt Isa to get enough money to make it to the finals," Harm said.
At present, he is free of injuries after battling minor injuries for quite some time.
An additional rodeo on the APRA program is the Springsure Rodeo on June 23 which will be one of the closest for Harm who is sponsored by Harold Boots.
There will be two major events at Mt Isa this year, the annual Rotary rodeo in August and the APRA Circuit Finals on May 26/27.
The top-two competitors in each event on the Golden Run and Sunshine circuits in Queensland and circuits in the rest of Australia have qualified for the May finals. If some of the top qualifiers are not able to compete, the next highest placegetters will be invited.
More information phone APRA on 4661 8183
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Cherie and Lee - What a Team!
LOCKINGTON competitors Cherie O'Donoghue and Lee Kimber are currently the top-two in Australian Professional Rodeo Association standings.
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Some years ago, O'Donoghue became the first woman to lead the men in money won during a pro tour.
After trailing Cootamundra, NSW, barrel racer Kerrie Holder in early season all around standings, O'Donoghue now has a $2300 lead from Holder.
O'Donoghue is first in breakaway roping and fourth in the team roping header standings where she competes against the men.
At most rodeos, team ropers are allowed to be part of two teams. O'Donoghue has enjoyed much of her team roping success in combination with Kimber.
Kimber maintains his lead in the all-around cowboy standings, $1000 in front of Hughenden cowboy Clancy Middleton who has travelled the circuit in the Southern States for the first third of the year.
In his individual events, Kimber is first in the rope and tie, and team roping heeler standings, and fifth in steer wrestling.
Most of the APRA action in the first four months of the year has been in the Southern States.
With the success of last year's National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast, more competitors are travelling long distances to make it to the top-15 for the finals.
It is therefore likely a large contingent of Victorian competitors will be in Queensland for the Northern Run starting at Injune on June 7 and finishing at the Mt Isa Rodeo at the new Buchanan Park arena on August 8-12.
Other Victorians in top-five in APRA standings: Terry Evison 4th in all around cowboy, Bruce O'Dell 2nd and Jayden Boulton 3rd in saddle bronc, Kevin Thomas 2nd in bull ride, Terry Evison 3rd and David Mclennan 5th in rope and tie, Tony Azzopardi 2nd in steer wrestling, Terry Evison 3rd and Brett Ryan 4th in team roping heeler, Amber Burns 3rd and Julie Breed 5th in all around cowgirl, Amber Burns 4th in barrel race and 3rd in breakaway roping.
More information from APRA on 07 46618183
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Rodeos Heading North
HUGHENDEN competitors Clancy Middleton and Teneille Little are in the top-five in six of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association standings.
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With most of the Southern rodeos over, both have made enough money in their respective events to be almost assured of spots in the National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on January 8-13 next year.
Middleton is second in the all-around standings in the APRA behind Lockington (Victoria) rider Lee Kimber.
The Hughenden cowboy leads the team roping header standings and is second in the rope and tie behind Kimber and fourth in steer wrestling, one spot in front of Kimber.
Little is second in barrel racing and fourth in all-around cowgirl standings.
The pair has concentrated on rodeos in the Southern States in the first four months of the year opting for the Easter circuit in Victoria rather than Emerald and Roma rodeos.
The first North Queensland APRA rodeo for the year will be at Richmond on May 4 and then competitors will head to Mt Isa for the National Circuit Finals on May 26-27.
The APRA has 12 rodeos in Queensland in June, July and August, including two of the big three, Cloncurry on August 4-5 and Mt Isa on August 8-12.
More information from APRA head office on 4661 8183
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Leanne Kenny!
EMERALD cowgirl Leanne Kenny has won an event at three successive rodeos for the first time as she builds up championship points before the birth of her third child.
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Kenny won the barrel race at Comet before winning the breakaway roping at Emerald and Roma last weekend.
She and husband Shane are expecting their third child in October which means Kenny has to built up early season points so as to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo on January 8-13 next year at the Gold Coast.
As well as her three wins, Kenny recorded a second at Emerald in the barrel race and third at Comet in breakaway roping.
She now has won $5500 in breakaway roping for the year and $4500 in barrel racing, prizemoney that would have guaranteed her a spot in the finals for the 2006 year.
But with many more competitors travelling long distances to rodeos in quest of final spots at the Gold Coast, she would like to make a little more money to be sure of a top-15 spot.
Her next rodeo is at Captain's Creek near Agnes Waters on April 28 and possibly Gayndah on June 10.
Then it will be sitting in the grandstand with daughter Ellysa, 5, and son Tyler, 20 months, watching husband Shane at rodeos including the Emerald Agro Pro Rodeo on July 14.
Kenny is showing better form this year compared to 2006 which she puts down to her horse Dice who she uses for both events. Husband Shane uses Dice for the rope and tie.
Emerald rider Angie Simpson won the barrel race at Comet.
Last year's APRA pro-tour barrel racing winner Wendy Caban won the barrel race at Emerald. Her husband Troy and his brother Dale Caban were victorious in team roping.
Central Queensland pair Aaron Leahy and Wayne McGhee won the team roping at Comet.
Shane Kenny and Warwick cowboy Jeff Miller secured victory in team roping at Roma.
To cap an outstanding fortnight in timed events for Central Queensland competitors, Alton Downs cowboy Shane Iker won the steer wrestling/rope and tie double at both Comet and Emerald.
APRA PRO-TOUR STANDINGS - All around cowboy: 1 Lee Kimber (Victoria, formerly Kalbar), 2 Clancy Middleton (Hughenden), 3 Shane Kenny (Emerald), 4 Terry Evison (Victoria), 5 Rhys Angland (NSW).
All around cowgirl: 1 Cherie O'Donoghue (Victoria), 2 Kerrie Holder (NSW), 3 Amber Burns (Victoria), 4 Wendy Caban (Moree, NSW), 5 Julie Breed (Victoria).
Queenslanders in top-five: Saddle bronc - 4 Jeffrey Hay; Bull ride - 5 Stuart Frame; Bareback - 1 Jake Marshall, 2 Travis Young, 5 Lee Bowker; Rope and tie - 2 Clancy Middleton, 4 Shane Kenny; Steer wrestling - 3 Shane Kenny, 4 Clancy Middleton; Team roping header - 1 Clancy Middleton, 2 Steven Augustin, 5 Jeff Miller; Team roping heeler - 2 Shane Kenny; Barrel racing - 2 Teneille Little.
APRA RODEO PROGRAM: April 14 - Dirranbandi BTU, April 20 Moree BTD, April 28 - Captain Creek (Agnes Waters), May 4 - Richmond, May 6 - St George BTU, May 25 - Maryborough BTU, May 26-27 - APRA National Circuit Finals in Mt Isa.
More information from APRA on 4661 8183
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TEAM ROPERS CHECK YOUR STANDINGS
Make sure you REGULARLY check your Team Roping standings.
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As if the Timekeeper puts you down as the Header instead of the Heeler - we at the Office have no way of knowing that this is incorrect. This can lead to problems at the end of the year when money is counted to the NFR invitations.
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2006 AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONS
ALL AROUND COWBOY -SHANE KENNY
ALL AROUND COWGIRL - CHERIE O'DONOGHUE
SADDLE BRONC - CLINT HARM
BULL RIDE - RHYS ANGLAND
BAREBACK - JAKE MARSHALL
ROPE AND TIE - LEE KIMBER
STEER WRESTLING - ERROL FRAIN
TEAM ROPING - AARON BOOKLUCK AND TERRY EVISON
BARREL RACE - CATHIE RAAEN
BREAKAWAY ROPING - JULIE BREED
AUSTRALIAN RODEO HERITAGE CENTRE
There has been a steady stream of visitors to the Heritage Centre since its opening in late October 2006.
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Tell your friends and next time your down the road in southern Queensland drop in. Admission is free to APRA members.
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