ERNEST HENRY CURRY MERRY MUSTER FESTIVAL

 CLONCURRY RODEO

Record payouts and record scores at the Curry Merry Muster!

Once again, the little north-west Queensland town of Cloncurry showcased the best of the best APRA competitors, all vying for a piece of the highest single payout rodeo in Australia.

Teenage sensations, Lacey Hoskins and Adanni Walker dominated in the ladies’ events. Adanni cemented her number one position atop the season’s barrel racing standings with a close win over current Australian champion Leanne Caban. While Lacey shot herself into the mix for her first national finals berth after pocketing a massive $7721 for her blistering 1.95 second run in the breakaway roping.

Almost a local, Donovan Rutherford shut the rodeo down on Saturday night with a big bang, setting a new arena record of 92 points in the bull ride, while veteran cowboy Mark Gibb’s experience and wisdom was too good for the rest of the field in the young man’s game of steer wrestling. Alton downs team ropers Cameron Milner and Shane Iker were the fastest of the weekend with a 4.9 second run, Jarrod McKane made the long drive from Victoria worthwhile in the bareback riding, and Mitch Eastwell took the Rope and Tie buckle home to Warwick.

Rhys Angland rounded out the open winners, claiming the saddle bronc riding and became the instant favourite for the feature Ken Coleman Chute Out saddle bronc ride. Horse power won out later in the night however, seeing Rhys bucked offed, and nobody being able to match first man out, Clayton Braden’s 87 points.

This week’s action has moved to the mighty Mount Isa where competitors will again battle it out for massive payouts, national finals positions and coveted pro tour titles at the season’s end fast approaches on the 30^th September.