A VICTORIAN all around star is the new executive chairman of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association but that won’t stop him mixing it with the best in the nation on Saturday in Darwin. (August 22)

Originally from Queensland, Lee Kimber now calls Lockington in Victoria home.

He has enjoyed outstanding success on the Southern Cross Circuit in Victoria and has often led APRA all around standings.

Kimber will compete in a field of 18 in his best event, steer wrestling, and also in the field of 34 in team roping and 11 in the rope and tie.

There are 49 entries in total in the bull rides in Darwin, including Bryden Atkins from Docher in Victoria who has won national junior titles in the APRA and enjoyed success overseas.

Kimber’s best chance of a victory is in steer wrestling where he will face current APRA standings leader Clancy Middleton from Hughenden in Queensland.

Middleton has previously placed in the Northern Territory.

Alton Downs (Qld) rider Shane Iker will also compete at Darwin and like Kimber and Middleton has the ability to win any of his three events at the timed event end of the arena.

The Darwin rodeo has attracted 190 nominations, including 23 in the open bull ride and 26 in the second-division event.

Beaudesert cowboy Fraser Babbington holds the record for the highest bull riding score in the APRA and rates with Mt Isa Rodeo bull ride winner Mark Lamberth and Victorian star Bryden Atkins as one of the three riders to beat in Darwin.

Some of the best cowgirls in Australia will compete at Mt Isa, including Lockington, Victoria, rider Cherie O’Donoghue, the cowgirl with the most titles in APRA history.

Some of her toughest opposition will come from her niece and fellow Victorian rider Shianne ODonoghue-Kent and Queensland rider Tenielle Middleton from Hughenden.

APRA RODEO PROGRAM: August 22 Darwin (NT); September 12 Pussycat Flats Rodeo (NT); October 4 Marrabel (SA); October 10 Rockhampton (Qld); October 21 Hobart Show Bulls and Barrels (Tas); October 22-25 Warwick Rodeo Australian Championships (Qld)..

More information from APRA on 07 4661 8183