RIDERS from three states are among the favourites for the Saddle Bronc ride at the Finley and Beechworth rodeos during the Christmas Run.
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Millmerran rider John McNamee will go head to head with a strong field, including Tooma (NSW) rider Brad Pierce and Victorian star Heath Chalmers in Saddle Bronc.
The final two rodeos on the APRA Christmas Run are at Finley (NSW) on January 6 and Beechworth (Vic) on January 7.
McNamee narrowly won this year’s Australian Professional Rodeo Association title after a win and third in the rounds at the National Finals rodeo in Warwick. He is currently second in APRA standings in the 2016-2017 season in Saddle Bronc.
Pierce won the 2015 title in Saddle Bronc and was second in the aggregate at the National Finals this year.
Chalmers hails from Beverford in Victoria and recorded a second and third in this year’s National Finals. He is not in the top-15 in the new season so will be aiming for some placings on the Christmas Run.
Young (NSW) rider Ben Thorp heads the Bull Riders competing on the Christmas Run. Thorp was second in round 1 of the National Finals in October at the Warwick Rodeo with a score of 82.
Some of the best timed events riders in the nation will be in the southern states for the Christmas Run, including Emerald rider Shane Kenny who has won the most titles in APRA history.
Kenny will contest all the rodeos on the Christmas Run. His daughter Ellysa will be one to watch after she won round 1 of the open Barrel Race at the Mt Isa Rodeo this year while still a junior.
PROGRAM:
January 6 – Finley (NSW)
January 7 – Beechworth (Vic)
January 14 – Carrick Rodeo and Bull Ride (Tas)
January 21 – Coffs Harbour Xtreme Bulls (NSW)
January 21: Yarra Valley (Vic)
