ON Saturday, November 15, the very foundations of Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre (TECC) will once again be shaken by the greatest show on dirt, the Troy Dunn Invitational PBR Australia bull ride.
Considered one of the nation’ toughest bull riding competitions, the Troy Dunn Invitational is also one of the most coveted titles to win with 16 Aussie riders (including two on the international circuit) along with a cohort of six internationals making the trip to Townsville this year.
Established in 1999, the event has paid more than $950,000 in prize-money to competitors since it first started. But money isn’t the primary motivation for riders in this particular event, the honour of taking home the buckle from former World Champion and current PBR Australia president Troy Dunn’s signature event is viewed as a huge achievement in any bull riders career in itself.
Such is the case for veteran Dave Kennedy from Kyogle, New South Wales, who has won four Australian titles in just six years competing in the Australian PBR tour. Dave said he is determined to become just the second rider besides Troy to win the buckle at the event twice after claiming the honours in 2010.
“Luke Snyder from the States who has now retired won the event twice, I want to be the first Australian besides Troy to accomplish the same feat,” Kennedy said.
“It’s Troy’s event and because of that everyone competing is just that little bit more hungry to win,” he said.
Two other past champions of the event will be attempting a second win as well including New Zealand champion Fraser Babbington and Troy Wilkinson from New South Wales.
The North Queensland Register learned that local legend and 2013 Invitational winner Jock Connolly may be one of the judges at the event according to Dunn.
“It’ll be great if we can get Jock in as one of the judges, he has a huge fan base in the North, and it was great to see him finish his career last year winning here,” Dunn said.
He said the crowd year-in and year-out is one of the most vocal and energetic groups he has seen anywhere.
“Northerners love their bull riding, and the atmosphere is incredible on the night,” he said.
Mr Dunn said he searched far and wide to source the toughest bulls he could find to test the riders to their limits for the event.
“We are in a situation where our bulls are improving each year as are our riders, so finding the right calibre of bull has been no easy process.
“I’ve hand-picked bulls from some of the best contractors in the business including Darren Brandenburg, Trevor Dunn, Adam Power, Bomber Bailey and Dallas Coban among others.
“I inspected them in action at Innisfail on the weekend, and based on how they performed there, I think they’re really going test the rider’s abilities.”
Festivities for this year’s event will commence on Friday November 14, with the official Jupiter’s Casino Meet n Greet and Cowboys Re-Union.
“It’s always great to catch up with old friends, share some yarns and have a laugh before the main event the next day,” Dunn said.
“This year we are looking to attract many of the retired old timers to not only celebrate the modern day riders but also acknowledge those from the past,” he said.
“In addition to this it also gives fans the opportunity to meet our key riders and an opportunity to raise money via our charity auction for much needed local causes.”
