DARLING DOWNS RIDERS HEAD TO NARRANDERA

Photo by Dave Ethell
 

THREE Darling Downs saddle bronc riders will be on the road to Narrandera in New South Wales on Saturday (February 21) for an Australian Professional Rodeo Association rodeo.

Warwick rider Michael Maher heads the standings in the battle for the pro tour title for most money won in the season to April 30.

Maher leads from Walcha, New South Wales, rider Carl Green, and Warwick star Mark Collins.

The third Darling Downs rider in the top-15 is Millmerran star John McNamee who is eighth in the standings.

While Maher won the two big rodeos in the APRA at Mt Isa and Warwick, Collins had the better performances on the Christmas run of rodeos in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

All three are certain to qualify for the Warwick Australian Championships Rodeo on October 22-25.

In Maher’s first appearance at the National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast, he narrowly missed out on securing his first title in the APRA.

Some of the best bucking horses in the nation from the Garry McPhee string will be at Narrandera on Saturday.

Maher has drawn Dog Bite, Green will ride Take Me Easy and Collins will be aiming for a winning score on Still A Secret.

Former world all around rookie champion Brad Pierce (Tooma, NSW) will be hoping for a winning score on Chantelle and McNamee will be on board Cajoun Man.

McNamee will have the chance to boost his position in the standings at his hometown rodeo at Millmerran on February 28.

If he wins, he won’t be the first to win the saddle bronc at home. Former Millmerran and now Augathella rider Peter Moffatt is a past winner of the event at the annual show rodeo at Millmerran.

Last year’s pro tour winner Cameron Webster, of Wandoan, is 10th in the standings and a likely starter at Millmerran.
 

APRA Program: February rodeos: February 21 Narrandera (NSW); February 21 Whittlesea (Vic); February 21 Powranna Bull Ride and Rodeo (Tas); February 28 Sale (Vic); February 28 Millmerran Show Rodeo.

March rodeos: March 6 Kyabram (Vic); March 7 Gowrie Park (Tas); March 7 Merrijig (Vic); March 8 Chiltern (Vic); March 14 Clare (SA); March 21 Comet (Qld).
 

More information or requests for photos to APRA head office on (07) 4661 8183.