SUCH was the success of Saturday’s Jackpot Bull Ride at the Cootamundra Rodeo Grounds organisers are hoping to make it an annual event.
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About 150 spectators made their way through the gates to watch all of the action. With 18 riders organisers made an eleventh hour decision to run both an open jackpot ride and a novice jackpot ride.
The novice section is made up of up and coming cowboys who have yet to earn $1200 in prize money and included local hopes Brendan Smith of Cootamundra, Daniel Parsons of Cootamundra and his brother, Young’s Dwight Parsons.
Riders from across the state competed in the winner takes all event with the opens winner taking home $550.
In first place was Edward Parlon while Chris Robertson placed second, with both riders travelling from out of town to take part in the event.
The novice section was taken out by Jono Murdock with Joe McLennan second and Brodie Pendercas third.
With 18 riders across both sections, all riders got on the bull twice giving spectators 36 thrilling rides to cheer for.
Out of 10 riders in the opens, Edward and Chris were the only two to last the mandatory eight seconds on the bull and thus the only two to post scores.
An auction of the bulls rounded out the day with 18 of the 40 beasts sold and the top priced bull going for $1700.
The Cootamundra Rodeo Association did well out of the day earning a profit from the gate and the canteen.
Association president Francis Ross was thrilled with the day saying the weather was perfect and everyone had a great time.
“We have a bit of yard work to do but nothing too much, some of the riders were pretty rough on the rails,” Francis said.
“We were talking to the contractors after the sale and it looks like we can make it an annual event,” he added.
The Cootamundra Rodeo Association has had a strong year with this Jackpot Bull Ride following a successful novice only event last year and the association also hosting a series of increasingly popular gymkhanas.
With only about half a dozen active members out of the 20 or so members of the association they are always looking for extra hands to help out and join in the fun.
If rodeo-style events and horse events are up your alley and you’d like to be involved please contact Francis, who is from Stockinbingal.
