Barraba-based rodeo hero Chris Lowe is set to take on Australia’s best rodeo stars at the professional sport’s national final on the Gold Coast in June.
After a gruelling but successful year on the rodeo circuit, Lowe has qualified for the Jupiter’s Gold Coast National Finals Rodeo, which is set to be held on the Gold Coast over four days from Thursday, June 14, 2012.
Australian Professional Rodeo Association standings reveal Lowe has qualified to compete in the always popular bull riding final.
APRA general manager Steve Mr Hilton said the competition at the Jupiter’s Gold Coast National Finals Rodeo was restricted to 15 qualifiers in each of the six events, which include saddle and bareback bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and roping.
“This year the National Finals Rodeo will have five rounds spread with prize money being awarded after each round,’’ said Mr Hilton.
“The competitor in each event with the most prize money at the end of the four days will be crowned as the national champion.”
Hilton said Lowe stood a strong chance of taking out the national title.
“Simply qualifying for the Jupiter’s Gold Coast National Finals Rodeo is a big achievement in itself,’’ said Mr Hilton.
“Each year thousands of rodeo competitors travel thousands of kilometres to compete across the nation in more than 100 events in the hope of getting to the National Finals Rodeo.
“A lot of blood, sweat and sometimes tears go into a year on the rodeo circuit and it all leads to the Gold Coast.
“Now that Lowe has qualified, anything could happen at the finals in June.”
Mr Hilton said he expected Lowe would be well supported at the National Finals Rodeo.
“I know the Gold Coast is a long way from home but our rodeo fans from northern New South Wales are very dedicated and I expect a good contingent of Blues fans to invade the Gold Coast for the rodeo.
“In fact I would strongly encourage each and every one of our fans to come along and see what all the excitement of the national finals is all about.
“The Gold Coast knows how to host big events and the Jupiter’s National Finals Rodeo is certainly one of the city’s major events on its annual calendar.
“We like to say that it’s the week that the Cowboys come to town.”
Broadbeach Media