Riverina riders have success at the rodeo finals in Tamworth

The Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) had representatives from this region in nearly every event. The finals coincides with the Tamworth Country Music Festival and is held at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre.

The top 15 competitors from throughout Australia are selected to ride at the finals. 

Gundagai cowboy Chase Russell, 8, and his horse Matey returned home after being named national champions and winning the two rounds in Tamworth.

Chase competed in the under 11s barrel race and his mum Michelle Russell said he was just so excited to be at the event. 

Fellow junior competitor, Ally Morphett of Wagga had success too and was named the under 14-year-old champion. Mekenzie Woodhouse of Wagga also made the national finals in the junior barrel race and was a tough competitor at the finals.

Meanwhile, Ryley Menz of Wagga was presented with the rookie barrel racer title after putting up strong performances throughout the rodeo season. 

Junee competitor Angela Butt competed at her first national finals and had success in the steer decorating.

She managed to secure two out of three ribbons. “I didn’t end up placing but it was a great experience,” she said. 

Talented saddle bronc rider Brodie Pendergast of Ladysmith also put up some prize-winning performances to be in the mix at the finals.

Tom Kerr of Tumut was also in the saddle bronc and Brock Mulhall of Marrar rode at the finals in the bareback event. 

The Deudney brothers, Jake and Toby of Tumut also made their way into the finals in strong positions after a successful year on the junior circuit. Jake rode in the steer ride and the breakaway roping and Toby competed in the steer riding. 

Kylie Coates of Tarcutta competed in her last finals as a junior competitor before breaking into the open ranks of competition. 

She placed in each round and was fourth in the average of the under 18 section. 

Meanwhile, Australian Professional Rodeo Association competitors are preparing for the Wagga Pro Rodeo at the Equex Centre on February 3.