GRACEMERE rider Jill Lyons has boosted her chances in the battle for the barrel racing pro tour title in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association.

Lyons won the event at the Warwick Rodeo with a two-round time of 36.309 seconds from Emerald rider Leanne Kenny with 36.415.

Going into the Warwick Rodeo, Lyons was fifth in the APRA barrel racing standings and Kenny eighth behind leaders Wendy Caban, of Moree, and Alton Downs rider Jamie-Lee Williams.

Lyons won the first round at Warwick from Hughenden and former Emerald rider Tenielle Middleton.

In the second round, Emerald rider Leanne Kenny was victorious ahead of Lyons.

Prize money was distributed for overall placings with Lyons beating Kenny, Lindell Mittelstadt, Hayley Hill and Stephanie Gard.

Lyons and Kenny have the chance to compete on the Christmas Run which starts with the Myrtleford Golden Spurs Rodeo in Victoria on December 26 and ends at the Deniliquin Under The Stars Rodeo on January 3.

Going into Warwick, Kenny and Lyons were third and fourth in all around cowgirl standings in the APRA so both have made up ground on Caban and Williams. Neither of the leaders recorded a placing in an event at the Warwick Rodeo.

One cowgirl moving up the standings is Mt Tarampa rider Cheyenne Whitwell who won the breakaway roping at Warwick after a second and third in the rounds.

Performances on the Christmas Run will be even more important this year as riders will carry points from pro tour (season) placings into the battle for titles at the National Finals Rodeo next year.

APRA Program: November 15 Kapunda (SA); November 28 Bundaberg (Qld); December 6 Rosewood (NSW); December 20 Grong Grong (NSW); December 26 Myrtleford (Vic); December 27 Carrieton (SA); December 30 Yarrawonga (Vic); January 1 Wangaratta (Vic) and Tumbarumba (NSW), January 2 Finley (NSW); January 3 Beechworth (Vic) and Deniliquin  (NSW).

More information APRA office 07 4661 8183