DINGO BULL RIDER

DINGO bull rider Ryan Storey can virtually pack his bags for the Australian Professional Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo (NFR) after moving up to fifth in Australian Professional Rodeo Association standings.

Storey, 29, was seventh in the standings last month but his win at Nebo with a score of 86 improved his position to fifth.

Competitors have to finish in the top 15 in prize money in their events to the end of April to qualify for the NFR at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre at Caboolture on May 1-4.

Last year, Storey qualified 14th for the NFR at the Gold Coast.

He won round 4 at the Gold Coast with a score of 81 on Carlie Superglue, the third best score at the NFR.

While rodeos are scheduled each weekend in the southern states for most of the rest of the season, Storey will have to wait for the Millmerran Show Rodeo on March 1 for his next APRA rodeo in Queensland.

He will then have the chance to compete in the final two rodeos in Queensland in the current season, the Comet Benefit Rodeo on April 5 and the Emerald Rodeo on April 19.

Most of the Queensland rodeo action is in the final eight months of the season, especially in July and August when the Northern Run is held.

The NFR will be at a new venue at Caboolture this year which APRA rodeo administrator Steve Hilton said would be more rider friendly with competitors able to camp in the centre grounds in close proximity of their horses.

Caboolture area residents will have some locals to cheer on when the NFR comes to town.

Lachlan O’Neill has moved up to second in steer wrestling standings behind leader Shane Iker, of Alton Downs. Lachlan’s brother Jordan is ninth and a strong chance to qualify in the top 15.

The brothers were placed third and fourth in the New Year’s Eve Rodeo at Nebo behind winner and new all around standings leader Shane Kenny who was timed at 3.65 seconds.

Lachlan clocked 4.7 seconds at Nebo and Jordan 4.75.

Fellow Caboolture rider Rachelle Carlo is 11th in breakaway roping standings and a strong chance to qualify for the finals.

Many of the Queensland riders will travel interstate in quest of championship points to secure a spot in the NFR.

Of the 26 rodeos left in the APRA season, half are in Victoria including the Peter Evison Memorial Rodeo at Warragul on Saturday. (February 1).

Standings leaders: All around cowboy Shane Kenny (Emerald), saddle bronc Cameron Webster (Wandoan), bull ride Fraser Babbington (Beaudesert), bareback David Worsfold (Wandoan), rope and tie Shane Kenny (Emerald), steer wrestling Shane Iker (Alton Downs), team roping header Clancy Middleton (Emerald), team roping heeler Aaron Bookluck (Nilma North), all around cowgirl and barrel race Nichole Fitzpatrick (Willow Tree), breakaway roping Jorja Watkins (Alton Downs).

More information from APRA on 07 4661 8183.