EMERALD COWBOY

EMERALD cowboy Shane Kenny has boosted his lead in Australian Professional Rodeo Association all around standings with two seconds and a third in the Narrandera Rodeo in southern New South Wales.

Kenny was second in the rope and tie behind winner Warrick Hale, of Alton Downs, and part of second and third-placed combinations in team roping.

He joined with Alton Downs rider Brendan Breiner for second and with Brendan Kenny, of Clermont, to finish third.

Kenny went into the Narrandera Rodeo with a narrow lead over Alton Downs rider Shane Iker in the all around standings and is a strong chance to win the pro tour title for most money won in the season to April 30.

The top 15 in each championship points event in the APRA will qualify for the National Finals Rodeo at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre at Caboolture on May 1-4.

Each finalist will go into four days of competition at Caboolture with an equal chance to win a title as prize money won in the season has no bearings on NFR points.

Kenny has already won enough prize money in his three events to qualify for his 25th successive NFR.

He is by far the most prolific title winner in the APRA with 14 all around titles to his credit, 12 in the rope and tie, three in steer wrestling and two in team roping.

Alton Downs rider Jorja Watkins was an early season leader in the all around cowgirls standings and enjoyed success at Narrandera with victory in the breakaway roping from runner up Cheyenne Whitwell, of the Lockyer Valley.

Mark Price, of Kabra, won the steer wrestling at Narrandera and Mitchell rider Adam Hamilton was victorious in the saddle bronc to give Queensland four winners at Narrandera on Saturday.

The first APRA rodeo in Queensland this year will be the Millmerran Show Rodeo on Saturday (March 1) which has attracted 226 nominations, 40 up on last year.

Iker, Watkins, Price and Hale are four of the Central Queensland riders heading to Millmerran. Timed events start at the Millmerran Showgrounds at 1.30pm and the rough stock events at 6.30pm.

Nebo steer wrestler Jarrod Deguara is making the trip south as he aims to qualify in the top 15 for this year’s NFR.

Qld Rodeo Program: March 1 Millmerran Show Rodeo; April 5 Comet Benefit Rodeo; April 18 Roma Bull Ride; April 19 Emerald; April 20 Roma; May 1-4 National Finals Rodeo at Caboolture.

Tickets for the National Finals Rodeo on May 1-4 at the QSEC at Caboolture can be purchased by going on the website www.qsec.com.au or by phoning 0754333222.

More information from APRA on 07 4661 8183