GARD SIBLINGS, RIDERS TO BEAT AT HAY

Photo of Stephanie Gard by Dave Ethell
Photo of Benjamin Gard by Stephen Mowbray

THE Gard siblings from Table Top will be two of the riders to beat in an Australian Professional Rodeo Association rodeo at Hay on Saturday.

Stephanie Gard has won the past two APRA breakaway roping titles and will also compete in barrel racing while her brother Benjamin is one of a handful of cowboys to compete in both timed and rough stock events.

The Hay Rodeo has attracted 108 nominations, including Tooma cowboy Brad Pierce, a past all around rookie world champion in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in America.

Tim Hammond from Rosewood (NSW) will be one to watch at the rough stock chute.

There are three rodeos this weekend, Hay in New South Wales, Ballarat in Victoria and Ross in Tasmania.

Many of the competitors have nominated for both Ballarat and Hay with a view to winning prize money at both rodeos to boost their chances of a top-15 finish in APRA standings and qualification for the national finals at the Warwick Australian Championships Rodeo on October 22-25.

In timed events at Hay, Lockington (Victoria) rider Lee Kimber and Willung (Victoria) cowboy Terry Evison will be two of the favourites.

Kimber currently leads the steer wrestling standings in the APRA while Evison is second in team roping header standings,  third in the all around and fourth in the rope and tie.

 

APRA Program: February rodeos: February 14 Ballarat (Vic); February 14 Ross (Tas); February 14 Hay (NSW); February 21 Narrandera (NSW); February 21 Whittlesea (Vic); February 21 Powrana Bull Ride and Rodeo (Tas); February 28 Sale (Vic); February 28 Millmerran Show Rodeo.

March rodeos: March 6 Kyabram (Vic); March 7 Gowrie Park (Tas); March 7 Merrijig (Vic); March 8 Chiltern (Vic); March 14 Clare (SA); March 21 Comet (Qld).

 

More information or requests for photos to APRA head office on (07) 4661 8183.