PROSERPINE rider Roy Dunn has started the Christmas Run with victory in the bull ride at the Myrtleford Golden Spurs Rodeo in northern Victoria.

The Myrtleford Rodeo was the first of seven in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association in the last week of 2014 and first week of 2015.

Dunn scored 85 to win round 1 at Myrtleford from Upper Horton (NSW) rider Jackson Gill on 78 and Victorian star Toby Collins on 75.

None of the cowboys made time in round 2 which gave Dunn the aggregate win. He was also presented with the Golden Spurs for best performed cowboy at the rodeo.

The win increases Dunn’s hold on the bull ride standings lead and his chance to win the pro tour for most money won in the season.

While most of the Queenslanders planned to join the Christmas Run on the New Year’s weekend, some enjoyed success at Myrtleford.

Jill Lyons (Gracemere) was fourth in the barrel race, Stuart McGuire Spalding (Taroom) fourth in the rope and tie and David Worsfold (Wandoan) fourth in bareback bronc riding.

In team roping, Rockhampton (Qld) pair Cameron Bell and Cameron Milner were third in 14.2 seconds.

Table Top (NSW) rider Stephanie Gard won the barrel racing and breakaway roping double to win the Silver Spurs at Myrtleford.

All money raised at the rodeo will go towards Myrtleford Lions Club community projects.

The second rodeo on the Christmas Run was at Carrieton in South Australia and Queensland pair Dave Worsford (Wandoan) and Owen Lee (Toowoomba) were equal first in the bareback.

RESULTS – MYRTLEFORD

Saddle bronc – 1 Rhys Angland 85 points, 2 Heath Chalmers 81, Cody Angland 81, 4 John McNamee 78

Bareback bronc – 1 Toby Collins 79, 2 Deon Lane 78, 3 Ben Hall 75, 4 David Worsfold 74

Barrel race – 1 Stephanie Gard 17.17, 2 Shianne O’Donoghue Kent 17.18, 3 Tamlin Osborne 17.4, 4 Jill Lyons 17.45

Breakaway roping – 1 Stephanie Gard 2.8, 2 Latteliah De Spirt 3.03, 3 Ariana Varschetti 34.9, 4 Leslie Moore 4.1.

Rope and tie – 1 Glen Perkins 5.6, 2 Kenny Flanagan 5.75, 3 Michael Reynolds 11.5, 4 Stuart McGuire Spalding 17.4.

Steer wrestling – 1 Matt Hedland 4.78, 2 Dean Hensley 5.75, 3 Lee Kimber 6.9, 4 Rinsie Jamieson 12.57.

Team roping – 1 Shane Mirans and Kenny Flanagan 9.02, 2 Sally Malay and Andrew McQualter-Whyte 12.2, 3 Cameron Bell and Cameron Milner 14.12, 4 Cherie O’Donoghue and Daniel Kapeller 16.24.

Bull ride – Round 1 and aggregate 1 Roy Dunn 85, 2 Jackson Gill 78, 3 Toby Collins 75, 4 Adam Hinkley 72. (No scores in round 2)

APRA PROGRAM: January 1 Tumbarumba (NSW), January 2 Finley (NSW); January 3 Beechworth (Vic) and Deniliquin (NSW).

More information or requests for more photos to APRA office 07 4661 8183.