Australian National Finals Rodeo

Brace yourself and get ready to be taken on a wild ride. On January 8^th, the 2009 Australian National Finals Rodeo (ANFR) kicked off at the Gold Coast Exhibition Centre in one of the hottest states in the country, Queensland. Even though our sunburnt country might be more famous for golden beaches and hot surfers chicks, rodeo enjoys huge success in Australia. We Aussies go out of our way to host high quality rodeos with our own national style and flair. This year seven stock contractors provided a whopping 180 bulls and 160 horses to one of the most popular events in Australian rodeo history. The ANFR consists of five rounds of competition. The rider with the highest total score on five bulls will earn the Australian Championship Title. Bull riding is considered not only being the premier rodeo event but also the most popular and dangerous out of the six categories showcased during the competition.

Yeeha, is only one out of many words to describe the spectacular four-day rodeo where cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation were gathered to watch 15 of Australia’s finest bull riders put their life on the line against the fiercest animal in the land.

While one round in the arena on a 1500 to 2000 pound bull of pure muscle who wants you to get the hell of its back might seem like a suicide mission for the average Joe, the country’s most talented riders did not seemed fazed by the challenge at all. After the first four exciting rounds the cowboys were in exceptionally good physical shape, however, as the final round was about to start the anticipation amongst the top competitors reached new heights.

Over 3800 people sat on the edge of their seats as the last out of five rounds kicked off while the ‘Eye of Tiger’ blared out of the speakers. As David Kennedy entered the arena on a bull the size of Ayers Rock the audience cheered and stomped their feet. A mini dust storm was created as he rode Hot Chilli and snatched the 2009 Australian Championship Title right under the noses of Aussie favourites Riley Carter and Chris Lowe. “This is definitely one of the better days in my life,” says Kennedy with a big smile on his face. He admits that his best ride throughout his whole riding career was during the second last round in this year’s finals on Robert McPhees 2000 pound bull Daylight. “I scored 87 points. I couldn’t stop smiling and I felt on top of the world.”

But Kennedy is no rookie in this bone jangling sport. Since the age of 11 he has been riding and competing. “I come from a country family and when I was little we had some stock in the yard, so one day I went on them and after that I just kept on going,” he explains. The 24-year-old has always had his eye on the prize and believes the more effort you put in the more you get out. Now, he can enjoy the fruits of his success and with an Australian Title under his belt things are definitely going the right way for this impeccable rider. Next year he wants to move to America with his wife Hayley and nine-month-old daughter Pippa to develop his riding career further. After becoming the Australian bull riding Champion we assume the sky is the limit for this incredible talented rider. When he was asked who his toughest competition had been during the finals, he replied “definitely Riley Carter.”

The competition was fierce but Kennedy won with a 140 point score. Second place went to Riley Carter with a 100 point score and third place went to Chris Lowe with an 80 point score. Carter is absolutely one to watch out for. The 27-year-old has been riding and competing since he was 14 years of age. “My life motto is to always stay positive and never stop trying,” he exclaims. Next year he plans to head to America with his girlfriend to chase the silver & gold buckle dream. And with this though cowboy’s positive attitude and determination, there is no doubt that he will succeed.

Steve Hilton, general manager of the Australian Pro Rodeo Association says, “He rates this year’s competition, eight out of ten. To be part of a venue like this is great.” Hilton has enjoyed 20 odd years as a rodeo competitor but for the past 16 last years he has worked as a manager for one of the biggest rodeo associations in the country. “I would say the most positive aspect of being involved in this profession for over 30 years is that I’ve been able to see a distinct progress, rodeo has come a long way,” he explains.

Well, one thing is for sure this rough sport is not for the faintest of heart but for the toughest of men.

by Linda Hausken

 

 

~ by lindahausken on April 1, 2009.