THERE are 428 nominations for two Australian Professional Rodeo Association rodeos in Central Queensland this weekend.
The Delrosa Timed Event Rodeo is at Alton Downs on Friday, August 31, and then the St Brendan’s College Rodeo at Yeppoon on Saturday, Sept 1.
Warwick rider Mitch Eastwell won the Rope and Tie at the Mt Isa Rodeo this month and will head to this weekend’s rodeos along with his brother Wade.
Going into the Mt Isa Rodeo, the Eastwells were just in the top-15 but success at the richest rodeo in the nation normally ensures qualification for the Warwick Rodeo APRA National Finals on October 24-28.
Mitch won round 1 of the rope and tie at Mt Isa, was second in round 2 and first in the average over two rounds. Wade won round 2 at Mt Isa in 9.9 seconds, the fastest time of the rodeo.
The top 15 in each event to the end of September will qualify for the national finals of the eight championship events.
The Delrosa Timed Event Rodeo at Alton Downs on Friday is new to the APRA program but gives riders two chances to win prize money in their pet events this weekend.
There are 36 nominations for Team Roping, 28 for ladies Breakaway Roping and a total of 181 at Delrosa.
Nominations for breakaway roping at St Brendan’s increase to 30 and include 2016 all around APRA cowgirl title winner Shianne O’Donoghue-Kent from Bunyip, Victoria.
The four junior events at St Brendan’s have attracted between 18 and 24 nominations.
Proserpine Bull Rider Roy Dunn won the Mt Isa Rodeo this month and is favourite for the open event at St Brendan’s.
Competitors are not just aiming for a top-15 finish in their events but some need prizemoney at the final four rodeos on the circuit to win pro tour titles for most prizemoney in the season.
One of the closest battles for a pro tour title is in Team Roping Header where Shane Kenny just leads Campbell Hodson in an all-Emerald battle at the top.
South Australian pair Candy Michaelis and Amanda Tielen are the leaders in the Barrel Race standings but Emerald cowgirl Jaimi Downing has the chance to take the lead with placings in any of the final three rodeos of the season in Queensland.
The last two rodeos in the current season will be on September 8 at Comet in Central Queensland and K Ranch at Mt Hunter, NSW.
Standings leaders
All around cowboy – Clay Bush (NSW)
Saddle bronc – Cameron Webster (Qld)
Bull ride – Roy Dunn (Qld)
Bareback – Ben Hall (N SW)
Rope and tie – Clay Bush (NSW)
Steer wrestling – Ryley Gibb (Qld)
Team roping header – Shane Kenny (Qld)
Team roping heeler – Clay Bush (NSW)
All around cowgirl – Wendy Caban (NSW)
Barrel race – Candy Michaelis (SA)
Breakaway roping – Jorja Iker (Qld)