Sport
8 December, 2023
Rodeo draws a crowd
WITH increased prizemoney and custom-designed buckles, last weekend’s Warrnambool Rodeo attracted more than 130 competitors from across four states.
An estimated 4000 people flocked to the Warrnambool Showgrounds on Saturday night to enjoy an action-packed program of events.
“They say third time’s a charm and it certainly was on Saturday night,” Jenni Strain, secretary of the Warrnambool Showgrounds Committee said.
“The last two years we attracted just over 100 competitors and to have just over 130 this year was amazing.
“We increased the prize money and all winners were presented with a Ride Tuff buckle, which are just amazing. It was an absolutely terrific night; you can’t wipe the smile from my face.”
For many in the crowd, the Memorial Open Bull Ride, in honour of local cowboy Sam Daly, was one of the highlights of the night – with two of the 11 entrants making time.
“Sam Woodall was the overall winner of that event, with Kelsey Pavlov in second. To have not one, but two riders make time is amazing,” Jenni said.
“Sam Daly was a young man who used to work for Woodall’s Rodeo Productions who are big supporters of the event. It is a wonderful tribute and a great honour to win this and we thank both the Woodall and Daly families for their ongoing support.”
The evening’s program included junior and senior events in bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback and barrel races.
There was also a best little cowboy and cowgirl competition along with crowd giveaways, food stands and trade stalls.
The junior bull ride for those aged under 18 years also attracted 11 competitors and added to the excitement of the night.
“The program really was a very entertaining one and the pick-up men did an amazing job throughout the night,” Jenni said.
“We’ve had several inquiries about the young man who was injured in the open bareback. He was taken to hospital and underwent surgery for a broken ankle.
“I believe he had several screws and a plate inserted and is now recovering which is pleasing to hear. We all wish him well with his recovery.”
SEE VIDEO:
Results were as follows:
Open bull ride – 1st Sam Woodall, 2nd Kelsey Pavlov.
Open saddle – 1st Jason Collins, 2nd Corbin Mundy.
Open bareback – 1st Luke Higgins, 2nd Joel Davey, 3rd Brandon McMurtrie.
Junior bull ride – 1st Billy Bowker, 2nd Noah Dingle, 3rd Seamus Fitzpatrick.
Second division bull – 1st Wyatt Mundy, 2nd Liem O’Donoghue.
Second division saddle – 1st Kelsey Pavlov, 2nd Corbin Mundy, 3rd Brad Freund.
Ladies barrel – 1st Julie Breed, 2nd Shannon Elyse, 3rd Morgan McLean, 4th Alanah Sosinski.
Junior barrel – 1st Grace Saunders, 2nd Natasha Baldacchino, 3rd Weston Jones, 4th Emily Pritchard.
