ROY Dunn’s bull riding victory in Mount Isa replicated the feats of his champion uncle Troy exactly 23 years ago.
In his first ever time competing at the Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo at Buchanan Park, Dunn’s ride of 85.5 (159.5 total) on top of Hot Rod was enough to claim the victory.
“After I had realized I had won and packed up all my gear, Troy was the first person I called,” Dunn said.
“He (Troy) has had such a big influence on my career to date and it’s fair to say I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”
Immediately after the win, Dunn understood the significance of the win to his family and in terms of bull riding history.
“For me to win the same event that Troy won back in 1991 is amazing and I think it will take a while for it sink in,” he said.
The win now leaves Dunn with victory in Mount Isa, Bundaberg, Moranbah, Richmond and a third place in Nebo.
“I’ve had an amazing start to the season and the win extends my lead on top of the bull riding championships,” he said.
“Getting a little jump on everyone early is very handy moving forward, as now it gives me a little breathing room.”
Dunn’s breathing room could have been further extended if he hadn’t come off his bull at the Cloncurry rodeo after 7.9 seconds, just 0.1 second short of qualifying.
“After what happened in Cloncurry, there was no way I was coming off Hot Rod,” he said.
“Especially coming into the final as one of the lower qualifiers, I was determined to put the pressure back on the rest of the field.”
“So I dug deep and recorded the best score of the weekend to seal the win.”
The Proserpine product was also impressed with the strength of the stock that was on show at Buchanan Park. He was the only rider to last eight seconds in the final.
“Bomber Bailey and Darren Branderburg always produce strong stock and the quality we had this weekend was no exception,” Dunn said.
“They always maintain to keep the bulls fat and it showed with no other rider managed to record a score in the final.”
Dunn now heads to Bowen competition this weekend before flying to Brisbane to compete in the Queensland verse New South Wales state of origin competition at the EKKA.
