TEXAS SHOW TO PULL CROWD

Photo of Michael Maher by Dave Ethell – www.dephotos.com.au

MANY of  the best saddle bronc riders in the nation will be in Texas from 5pm Saturday (July 23) for an Australian Professional Rodeo Association event as part of the annual Texas Show.

Matt Doak is organising the rodeo which will feature three events.

There are 40 nominations for Texas Show Rodeo with 13 in the saddle bronc, 8 in the bull ride and 19 in the second division bull ride.

Michael Maher will use his ride at the Texas Show Rodeo to fine tune his form in the run up to the Mt Isa Rodeo on August 12-14

The Warwick cowboy has won the saddle bronc at the past two Mt Isa rodeos and is regularly at the top of APRA standings.

Some of his toughest opposition will come from fellow Warwick riders Mark Collins and Peel Tribe and Mitchell cowboy Greg Hamilton.

Two of the favourites for the bull ride will be Ben Palmer from Toowoomba and Upper Horton (NSW) rider Jackson Gill.

Organiser Matt Doak said the quality of riders he attracted to rodeos had improved under the APRA.

“Riders can secure championship points in the APRA if we run three events and the availability of points attracts better riders,” he said.

Doak will provide the bucking bulls and Gill Brothers the horses at Texas.

“My top bull is Good Vibes and any rider who can make time on this bull is likely to win the event. Jason Mara won at Narrabri on Good Vibes with a score in the high 80s,” Doak said.

Doak, who hails from Bundarra in New South Wales,  is fairly new to the rodeo organisation business but said he was keen to organise 10 to 15 show rodeos each year.

The Texas Show Rodeo on Saturday will be the last chance for APRA rough riders to fine tune their form for the resumption of the Northern Run at Taroom on July 30.

The Cloncurry Merry Muster Rodeo is on August 5-6 and the Mt Isa Rodeo will be the last event on the Northern Run on August 12-14.