Cody Heffernan,Singleton, NSW, rode to victory in the hotly contested PBR Troy Dunn Invitational in front of a sell out crowd in Townsville last night.
Heffernan was the only rider in the 22-man field to stay atop his bull in all three rounds of the event and pushed himself into first place in the PBR Australia standings.
He began the weekend with an 86.75-point ride on Rebel Yell to win Round 1 before riding LA Ink for 84.25 points in Round 2.
Heffernan capped his perfect night with an event-best 88 points on Brandenburg’s Blossom. Although it was a close call as Heffernan had to hit the challenge button after the judges’ first decided he didn’t reach the eight second mark.
It was a feast or famine scenario for Heffernan as 2015 PBR Rookie of the Year Kaique Pacheco from Brazil had tied Heffernan for the event lead with an 86.75-point ride on Jackie Howe earlier during the championship round.
Hefferan said it was an “unbelievable feeling” after finding out he’d won the event.
Pacheco finished second overall by going 2-for-3 (171 points).
Rounding out the Top 5 in the event was reigning PBR Australia Champion Fraser Babbington (167.25 points), Roy Dunn (85.75 points) and Chris Lowe (84.75 points).
Kurt Shephard fell victim to 2015 PBR Australia Bull of the Year Gotcha Rockin in 3.16 seconds. The bull has yet to be ridden in his career.
Australian bull riding legend and event namesake Troy Dunn said the night had been a great success.
“The quality of competition displayed on the night, and the amazing atmosphere created by the fans met our expectations and then some,” Dunn said.
PBR Australia’s General Manager Glen Young the TroyDunn Invitational is a much desired win for bull riders around the globe.
“Troy Dunn is unquestionably one of Australia’s greatest bull riders and his list of accomplishments in his career is respected worldwide and the main reason why riders are eager to add his event award buckle to their collection,” Mr Young said.
He said there are plans to expand the Troy Dunn Invitational to two days in 2016.
“This year the event sold out well in advance which has given us the confidence to expand it back into a two-day competition next year.”
It was a special night for four-time Australia champion David Kennedy, who nodded his head for the last time in his career in front of the Townsville crowd.
