The event was especially memorable for family and friends of the late Ben Burch, a former Cootamundra resident and regular rodeo competitor, with a specially made memorial belt buckle handed out in his honour.

Ben, or ‘Burchy’ as he was commonly known, died last year after losing his battle with cancer. He was aged 35 years.

He is the son of Jenny Burch of Wollongong and Col Burch of Tamworth, both former well known Cootamundra residents, and is the grandson of Bob and Doreen Hotston and Bob and Margaret Burch all of Cootamundra.

The buckle was presented to the bull rider with the highest point score.

With 16 bull riders competing in the rodeo, only three riders were able to hold on long enough to score as the bulls seemed to be quite flighty.

Clayton Russell was named the winner of the perpetual Ben Burch Memorial belt buckle scoring 78 points.

Clayton, who resides in Wagga, was a worthy winner being a good friend of Ben.

Clayton and Ben began their rodeo career steer riding together a number of years ago.

Ben’s oldest son Cooper (4) had the honour of presenting his dad’s memorial belt buckle to the winner.

Taking second place was Jake Wilson with 77 points and Ashley Hanby with 67.

A large gathering of Ben’s friends and family, including many from Cootamundra, were in the audience to witness the rodeo event.

The Ben Burch Memorial will become an annual event of the Taralga Rodeo.