Ironman in the making
TOWNSVILLE cowboy Jordan Iker could claim the mantle as Ironman of Queensland Rodeo if he continues to compete in four events in Australian Professional Rodeo Association events.
He is the only cowboy to nominate for four events on Saturday and another four on Sunday this weekend at Bowen River in north Queensland.
Iker is originally from Alton Downs in central Queensland but now calls Kelso in Townsville home.
He has nominated in the open saddle bronc and bull ride, rope and tie and steer wrestling for the Bowen River Rodeo this weekend.
This weekend’s rodeo features separate events and separate prize money each day, a great chance for riders to boost their position in APRA standings.
There are 245 nominations for open, second division and junior events on Saturday and 147 nominations in open events on Sunday.
Iker is currently eighth in APRA all around cowboy standings, 11th in the rope and tie and 16th in steer wrestling.
With the top 15 at the end of September qualifying for the Warwick Rodeo National Finals on October 26–29, Iker will be hoping for a place in both events to press his finals chances.
Iker has also finished the APRA junior season with the lead in high point cowboy standings.
He was second in the rope and tie, fourth in breakaway roping and fifth in team roping heeler standings.
While he is more established in roping and steer wrestling, Iker has started competing in rough stock events this season.
In the modern era, many of the rough stock riders specialise in one event. Iker is not only competing in saddle bronc and the bull
ride but continuing his successful career in roping and steer wrestling.
One of the intriguing battles at Bowen River will be in the cowgirl events, with open pro tour leader Shianne O’Donoghue-Kent,
from Bunyip in Victoria, doing battle against Emerald star Leanne Caban in a field of 25 in breakaway roping.
Caban is fourth in all around cowgirl standings in the APRA behind O’Donoghue-Kent while the Victorian is second in barrel racing standings.
The action at the Bowen River Rodeo, held at Strathmore Station, starts at 9am Saturday and 9am Sunday. Tickets on sale at the gate.