RIDERS from all of the eastern states will head to Marrabel in South Australia on October 2 to fine tune their form for The Carlton Dry Warwick Rodeo National Finals.
Marrabel will be the last Australian Professional Rodeo Association rodeo before the October 27-30 national finals at the Warwick Showgrounds.
It is one of the big two rodeos in South Australia and like Warwick has a famous history.
The October 2 rodeo at Marrabel will be the 79th annual event. Rodeo stock are being provided by Ron Woodall and Noel Fraser. The venue is the Marrabel Rodeo Grounds with action from 2pm.
Two Millmerran (Qld) riders who have spent a lot of time in Victoria down the years are in the top-three in APRA Saddle Bronc standings.
John McNamee finished the 2015-2016 season at the top of the standings for the first time in his career while Peter Moffatt is in third place. Moffatt is now based in Milawa, Victoria.
Mitchell (Qld) rider Greg Hamilton goes into the national finals second on the standings.
While only sixth in the 2015-2016 standings, Warwick rider Michael Maher will go into the National Finals in his hometown as favourite after winning this year’s Mt Isa Rodeo to make it three Saddle Bronc wins in three years at the richest rodeo in the nation.
The Marrabel Rodeo is expected to attract more than 200 nominations, including a large number from Victoria and some from Queensland and New South Wales wanting a hit out before the finals.
Two of the likely riders from Victoria are Barrel Racer Shianne O’Donoghue-Kent and Breakaway Roper Elley Hulls. Both led the standings at the end of the season when the top-15 qualified for the finals.
The best performed South Australian rider on the pro tour for the 2015-2016 season was Daniel Pearson who finished in 13th spot in the Rope and Tie standings.
