Former Australian bull riding champion Darren Brandenburg  is responsible for supplying the bulls and knows what calibre of bull is required for the biggest rodeo in the southern hemisphere.

The Emerald-based stock contractor knows all eyes will be on his bucking bulls with names like Suicidal Blonde, Gotcha Rockin’ and Napolean Dynamite.

“Gotcha Rockin’ is going to Sydney for the PBR Bucking Bull of the Year Finals before Mount Isa,” Brandenburg said.

“He is a banteng bull, an Indonesian breed, and has never been ridden (for 8 seconds).

“Napolean Dynamite has only had three qualified (8 second) rides in four years.”

Brandenburg, who was also a finalist in the World Bull Riding Championships held in Phoenix, Arizona in the US, had a distinguished career on the PBR circuit before he turned to stock breeding. He has ridden the world-renowned bull Chainsaw a bone-crunching 13 times.

Now living on a property outside Emerald with his wife Bridget, daughter Dakoda, 18, and sons Brumby Jack, 16, and Dylan, 15, Brandenburg is looking forward to supplying stock to this year’s Mount Isa rodeo.

 Dakoda is forging her own way as a second generation stock contractor.

“It’s a pretty big honour to be chosen as contractor for Mount Isa,” Brandenburg said. Among Brandenburg’s top stock also heading to the Isa will be Suicidal Blonde, a  bull whose father is Little Yellow jacket, a multiple PBR World Champion bucking bull in the US, recognised as one of the greatest bulls of all time.

Australian Professional Rodeo Association rodeo administrator Larry Cann said rodeo-goers at the Mount Isa were guaranteed to see a choice selection of the country’s best bucking bulls and broncs in action.

He said Mount Isa once again would feature top bucking horses (broncs) in Australia – including five-time bucking horse of the year Cheyenne Top Girl; three-time bareback horse of the year and current bareback horse of the year Mandy’s Boy, Cheyenne Brave, as well as Cajun Man and Cajun Lady.

“You’ll see good quality stock at Mount Isa, no doubt about it,” Cann said.

“The competitors will have a good chance to qualify for the finals and have a run for a title with the big dollars on offer at Australia’s richest rodeo, Mount Isa.”

Mount Isa’s three days of rodeo competition, including bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback, steer wrestling, roping, ladies’ barrel racing and breakaway roping, starts on Friday, August8.

 About $200,000 in prizes (cash and buckles) is up for grabs at the three-day event which runs until August 10.