Rodeo success for rough riders from Wantabadgery, Wandoan and Gracemere

RIDERS from Wantabadgery, Wandoan and Gracemere have started the Australian Professional Rodeo Association season with strong performances at the Nebo Rodeo in North Queensland.

The Nebo Rodeo Committee offered increased prize money and attracted some of the largest nominations this year so the results are a good form guide in the run-up to the Northern Run in July and August.

Cody Angland from Wantabadgery in New South Wales won the saddle bronc ride at Nebo in North Queensland at the second rodeo in the new season. He scored 79.5 points to win the saddle bronc and capped a top rodeo with second in the bareback.

Wandoan rider David Worsford continued the strong form which saw him win last year’s title buckle when he scored 85 to win the bareback at Nebo.

Gracemere rider Jared Borghero hit form at Nebo with 84.5 points to win the open bull ride from Dysart cowboy Sonny Schafferius who was two points behind.

The new APRA season will go to the end of September next year to align with The Warwick Rodeo National Finals in late October each year so riders will have plenty of time to secure a top-15 position and finals qualification.

But there is nothing like wins early in the season to secure a position near the top of the standings and let the other riders do the chasing.

In timed events at Nebo, Hughenden cowgirl Tenielle Middleton won the barrel race with a time of 15.761.

Alton Downs rider Jorja Iker was first in breakaway roping in 2.7 seconds.

Emerald rider Shane Kenny is accustomed to being in the lead bunch in the standings and that is the case already this season after he combined with Liam Davison to win the team roping at Nebo in 5.95.

Rockhampton rider Cameron Bell won the steer wrestling at Nebo with a time of 4.1 seconds from past APRA all around champion Shane Iker, of Alton Downs who was clocked at 4.35 seconds.

Three title winners from down the years were the top three in rope and tie at Nebo.

Ebenezer cowboy Mark Knox won with 8.3 seconds from Shane Iker on 9.2 and Kenny with a time of 9.25.

Rodeo program: May 27 Bundaberg Show Rodeo; June 11-12 Bowen River Rodeo; July 8-9 APRA Junior Nationals Finals Emerald; July 9 Emerald Ag Grow Rodeo; July 30 Taroom Rodeo.

More information from APRA on 07 4661 8183