Xtreme Bulls Rodeo set to test top cowboys

Wilkinson won the Australian Professional Rodeo Association bull ride title in 2015. He will face some tough opposition from the experienced Jason O’Hearn from Rothbury, NSW.

O’Hearn has also won an Australian title and scored 80 to win the bull ride at the K Ranch Cowboys Christmas Rodeo last month at Mt Hunter.

Central Queensland rider Brady Fielder was the only cowboy to make time on two bulls at this year’s Warwick Rodeo APRA National Finals. He won round 1 and the aggregate after also placing last year in Warwick.

The bulls from the Gill Brothers string in NSW will be used at the New Year’s Eve Rodeo at Great Western Hotel.

Queensland rider Tom Webster has nominated for saddle bronc in the Mitchell Rodeo in Queensland on New Year’s Eve. He had the highest score in rough stock events of 83 in winning  saddle bronc at Mt Hunter last month.

The Mitchell Rodeo has attracted 80 entries, including a strong field of 18 in saddle bronc. The star of the show in timed events could be Alton Downs rider Shane Iker who is a past all around title winner in the APRA.

In cowgirl events, Jorja Iker has nominated in both the barrel race and breakaway roping.

Gavin Fry has placed in second division saddle bronc at the Warwick Rodeo and will travel from Hughenden in North Queensland to compete at Mitchell.

The Smithton Rodeo is on December 30-31 in Tasmania.

There are 179 nominations for the rodeo, including 39 in barrel racing.

With 10 rodeos during the holiday period, all APRA members are likely to compete in at least some of the rodeos to boost their prizemoney and championship points.

December 30-31: Smithton Rodeo and Stockman’s Challenge, Tas

December 31: Xtreme Bull Ride at Great Western Hotel in Rockhampton, Qld

December 31: Mitchell Rodeo, Qld

January 1: Tumbarumba Rodeo, NSW

January 2: Rich River Timed Events Rodeo, Vic

January 4 : Finley Rodeo, NSW

January 5: Wangaratta Rodeo, Vic

January 6: K Ranch Rodeo, Mt Hunter, NSW