Australia’s top bull riders will vie for more than $30,000 prize money for eight seconds’ work in Mount Isa next month.
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The Open Bull Ride is set to be the richest ever run by the Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo in its illustrious 58 year history.
Isa Rodeo Manager Natalie Flecker said this year’s prize money was being increased by $30,000, taking the total winnings on offer to $230,000 in cash and buckles.
“The Isa Rodeo is proudly the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere,” Ms Flecker said.
“But we are upping the ante this year by increasing the prize money and adding a new event.”
She said the Isa Rodeo Open Bull Ride prize money would increase by $10,000, with cowboys competing for more than $30,000 in prize money.
The winner would also receive an additional $4000 cash bonus and trophy buckle.
The Open Saddlebronc and Steer Wrestling prize money have each been increased by a further $5000.
The Open Breakaway Roping prize money would increase by $2500 to bring it up to $10,000.
Ms Flecker said she also expected strong interest in a new event which was an over 40s Bull Ride with $3500 prize money.
Isa Rodeo Arena Director Steve Hilton said any inspiring bull rider hoping to win an Australian title couldn’t afford to miss the Mount Isa Rodeo.
“They would be mad not to come and have a go because it’s the richest bull riding rodeo in Australia,” said Mr Hilton.
“We will see the very best of Australia’s cowboys wanting to win this event.
“It’s also the highest saddle bronc and steer wrestling on prize money in Australia, so we’ll see the very best cowboys chasing the titles.”
Mr Hilton said an Isa Rodeo buckle was the one cowboys wanted to win.
“It’s not easy to win at Mount Isa, and winning a buckle is very prestigious,” he said.
Isa Rodeo buckles are designed by the Isa Rodeo’s chute boss Eddie Fisher, himself a former Australian rodeo champion.
Mr Fisher competed professionally in bull riding and bareback riding for more than 20 years on the rodeo circuit.
“The cowboys strive to win those buckles,” Mr Fisher said.
“They say you can tell someone you’re a champion but those gold buckles don’t lie, and when you wear those gold buckles it proves you really are a champion.
Nominations for the 2016 Isa Rodeo will open the week of July 26 via the Australian Professional Rodeo Association Office (APRA) on (07) 4661 8183. The rodeo is on from August 12-14
