RODEO FOCUS MOVES TO NORTHERN NSW

Rodeo focus moves to Northern NSW

MANY of the best riders in Northern New South Wales and Queensland will head to Tamworth on September 14 for the second annual Australian Professional Rodeo Association event at the Australian Equine Livestock and Events Centre.

The rodeo is being organised by APRA board member Greg Leys and his wife Phillipa.

Both are stars on the professional circuit in timed events.

All eight open championship events will be on the program along with five junior events, all to be held indoors at Tamworth.

Tamworth roper Jeff Miller, formerly from Emerald and Warwick in Queensland, will head the timed event stars at the rodeo.

He won the team roping title at this year’s National Finals Rodeo in combination with Peter Young.

Jeff’s wife Shellie will be one of the favourites for the barrel race.

New South Wales based barrel racing pro tour champion Leslie Moore will compete at Tamworth along with Moree star and reigning barrel racing titleholder Wendy Caban.

Greg said the rodeo was for championship points in the APRA which would attract more nominations.

“They are chasing dollars and points in the standings,” he said.

“Tamworth is fairly central for many of the riders from Queensland and New South Wales so we expect strong support.

“The aim is for the Tamworth rodeo to be bigger and better each year.”

In rough stock events, current Australian saddle bronc riding champion Anthony Caldwell, of Tibooburra, will compete.

After enjoying success in North America, Wandoan bareback rider Dave Worsford is expected to make the trek from Queensland for the Tamworth Rodeo. Miles (Qld) rider Clint Burton won the event at Bony Mountain near Warwick last weekend so is one of the form cowboys in the country.

Quirindi rider Darren Clarke rates as one of the best in APRA history in the bareback and is more than competitive at every rodeo he contests.

Two of the top riders in the nation are Wade and Teneille Clifford from Gunnedah, Wade in the bareback and Teneille in barrel racing, and both are likely starters at Tamworth.

While organisers were happy with the crowd support last year, they expect even more this year due to lower admission fees, $20 for adults, $15 for children under 16, $55 a family. Children under 4 are free.

The main performance will be at 7pm on September 14 but patrons are welcome to come from 1pm for junior events and some open competition.

Photos Courtesy of:

Dave Ethell Rodeo Photos

Sally H Photos