Clermont bullrider Aaron Kleier inched closer to history at the weekend, winning the PBR Rockhampton Invitational and furthering his chances of a history-breaking fourth consecutive PBR Australia championship.
As the regular season for the 2021 PBR Australia Monster Energy Tour closed in Rockhampton, all riders were vying for crucial final points heading towards the grand finals set for Townsville on November 26 and 27.
Going into the weekend, Kleier was number one in the rankings but only 175 points were separating the top six in the national standings, making it one of the tightest title races seen in many years.
"This weekend I've done my job so I couldn't be happier," Kleier said. "The bull I rode, Redflash, was the bull that rolled on me in Mackay, so it was good to get to ride him."
PBR Australia general manager Glen Young said Kleier earned a crucial 89 national points on the weekend to extend his lead on top of the national standings to 195.83 points ahead of current No 2 Macaulie Leather.
That's created a larger distance between them in the race to the national title.
"Despite this season being a career best for Kurt Shephard, the current No 3 came in at fifth position at Rockhampton, only covering one of three bulls.
"The 2019 Rookie of the Year, Brady Fielder, also had an impressive performance, placing second in Rockhampton and climbing from No 5 to No 4 in the national standings."
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The riders aren't the only ones competing for a title this year, with the league also anointing the Australian Bull of the Year.
Currently bucking his way to the crown is Cattle King Boogers Beach from Dittmann Bucking Bulls, with Razor Sharp from Wallace Bucking Bulls hot on his tail.
Jason Dittmann said he'd love to see Cattle King Boogers Beach's and Kleier face off in the finals battle.
"Two champions going against each other, I don't think Townsville could ask for anything more at the grand finals," he said.
Kleier was bested in 2.37 seconds by Cattle King Boogers Beach at the Australian grand finals last year.
Mr Young said many were keen to witness history at the grand finals but it was still anyone's game.
"We could see any rider walk away with the title," he said.
If Kleier is successful, the 23-year-old sensation will make history and tie with David Kennedy for most Australian national titles won by one rider in league history.
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Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
