General News
13 July, 2021
Thrills and spills of the Mareeba Rodeo
The 71st annual Mareeba Rodeo was hailed as a massive success with competitors flocking from across the region itching to get into the ring for the one-day event.
DESPITE being restricted to just one day the Mareeba Rodeo saw thousands of people flock to Kerribee Park, including riders both young and old, all for the chance to ride some of the rankest and wildest bulls around.
Mareeba Rodeo President Peter Brown said the committee was pleased with the results and how everyone behaved.
“It was a huge success and we are very happy with the numbers and everything else,” he said.
“Everyone was very smart when it came to COVID following the rules.
“We still had some great competition the bull ride came down to a final that anyone could win.”
The crowd was well into the rodeo action starting from the morning and running into the night, all waiting for the main event, the open bull ride.
In a close contest the riders were up against some good competition both between each other and bulls trying to buck them off.
In the end it was Cody Teece who came out on top coming first in the open bull ride with some impressive performances throughout the day and into the finals.
Travis Heeb showed he was not here to muck about, taking out first for the open bareback bronc riding while Clayton Brayden got first for the open saddle bronc.
Ben Terry managed to wrestle away with first after winning the open steer wrestling competition much to the delight of the crowd.
“At some stages during the day we were ahead of our schedule so when we came down to the finals we were within the time allocated,” Mr Brown said.
“The open bull ride final went very well it was a final anyone could have won.
“Patrick Hart who came second was actually leading the open bull ride right down until the last bull.”
In a special treat event, the Mareeba Rodeo Association organised two events to take place after the open finals.
The super bronc and super bull events were held for the first time with the infamous bull, Pandemonium proving too much for the chosen rider.
Campbell Hodson proved to be outstanding during the rodeo where he ended up winning the All-Round Cowboy award alongside Robyn McKeller who won the All-Round Cowgirl award.
The Mareeba Rodeo is excited to bring back the two-day format as they begin to plan the 2022 Mareeba Rodeo.
