Australia’s top cowboys and cowgirls are competing for the biggest prize money in the Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo’s 57-year history this weekend.
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Thousands of rodeo fans are in for a spectacular three days of world-class competition and entertainment, according to Isa Rodeo Manager Ms Natalie Flecker.
“Every year, we try our hardest to surprise our fans and they won’t be disappointed this year,” Ms Flecker said.
Ms Flecker said this year’s prize money of $230,000 in cash and buckles, along with the quality of the entertainment on offer were key to attracting top competition and big visitor numbers.
Nashville-based husband and wife duo O’Shea will replicate their social media correspondent roles at the huge Houston rodeo.
Isa Rodeo Arena Director Steve Hilton said the arena was in premium condition and it was also extremely encouraging nominations were up from last year – 646 compared to 615 in 2015.
“Our bull riding will be the stand out event, and entries in the second division and open bull ride events standing at 122, up from 112 last year,” Mr Hilton said.
“We have all the Australian champions here from current national saddle bronc champion Brad Pierce to Australia’s All Around Cowgirl Stephanie Gard.”
But it’s the Open Bull Ride that is going to be the star event. Crowds will see cowboys including Australian bull riding champion Troy Wilkinson, PBR bull riding champion Cory Heffernan, and 2014 Isa Rodeo Open Bull Ride champion Roy Dunn chasing a $30,000 prize pool.
“We also have champion bull rider Steve Woolsey flying in from the States and he is sure to be a good chance,” Mr Hilton said.
Rodeo stock contractor Darren Brandenburg said they had stock capable of breaking Australian records.”
“Last year’s Open Bull Ride was the first time in the event’s history that no bull rider rode time (8 seconds) in the final, and the result was decided on aggregate scores,” Mr Brandenburg said.
“We think the bull power is going to be as good this year, if not better.”
Whoever wins all the dollars at Mount Isa (rodeo), we’re going to make them earn it.”
A record $230,000 in prizes (cash and buckles) is up for grabs at this year’s rodeo.