LENDING a hot tip, Wagga Rodeo producer John Gill believes Riverina riders will capture the spotlight at Saturday’s event at Equex Centre.
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With entries closing yesterday, the Wagga Rodeo has attracted some of the biggest names is Australian saddle bronc and bull riding.
But according to Gill, the best talent is in our own backyard.
“The thing I always try to get across is the amount of talent we’ve got right here in the district,” he said. “I believe they’ll win the bulk of the money.
“That’s why it was so terrible that we didn’t have a rodeo here for all those years with the amount of good riders we have.”
Wagga cowboy and former Australian bull-riding champion Clayton Russell heads the list along with saddle bronc and bull rider Brad Pierce and Todd Hensley. Cootamundra product Bob Holder will be the most experienced competitor in the field, while Victorian rider Toby Collins is expected to make a huge impact.
While top talent will do its bit to attract a crowd, Gill believes the addition of two extra events will broaden the appeal of the rodeo. Junior pony bareback has been added to the schedule for the children, while Gill anticipates the stockman’s poly saddle buck jump to bring an old-time flair to the event.
“They have to crack a stock whip while the horse is jumping, it takes a lot of skill,’ he said.
“The old cowboys will love it.”
Wet weather has been predicted for the remainder of the week, but Gill is confident it will not affect the Equex Centre grounds. Gill was hesitant to suggest the rodeo may be postponed if rain strikes on Saturday. “As long as the ground is not treacherous it will be fine,” he said.
