Townsville Bulletin

JAKE SADDLES UP FOR GLORY

- Pictures: SCOTT RADFORD- CHISHOLM BETTINA WARBURTON

THE determined look on Jake Deguara’s face typifies the intensity of the competitio­n during an actionpack­ed Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft weekend. Thousands turned out for one of the North’s best family sports events to watch some of the country’s best riders in action ( below).

THE DUST was kicked up around the Bowen River Rodeo grounds with riders struggling to hold on for the eight- second count as campdrafte­rs rounded around the arena.

The 131st Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft saw almost four thousand people through the gates taking in the weekend action.

Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft secretary Kimberly Whalan said the crowd had a great time and the weather had held up well over the weekend.

“The weather has been fantastic, nice and cool,” she said.

“Last year it was so hot, too hot.

“The stock’s been magnificen­t, there’s been some good bulls and buckjumper­s, it keeps the competitor­s on their toes.”

Ms Whalan said the familyfrie­ndly event was a hit with children as well.

“There’s been plenty on for the kids such as bush sports, which is like pony club events, we had sideshows and merrygo- rounds, for the little fellas to get around on,” she said.

“There were events for the children such as the junior rodeo and campdraft events.”

Rodeo and Campdraft president Daryl Walsh thanked all the volunteers and sponsors for helping to get the event off the ground with the whole community getting behind the event.

“Without all the volunteers and sponsors the rodeo wouldn’t happen,” he said.

“At the end of the day you’d be lost without all of them.”

 ?? Pictures: SCOTT RADFORD- CHISHOLM ??
Pictures: SCOTT RADFORD- CHISHOLM
 ??  ??
 ??  ?? Billy Jeffs, 6, of Strathdick­ie, works on his riding skills.
Billy Jeffs, 6, of Strathdick­ie, works on his riding skills.
 ??  ?? Ravenswood’s Graham Easton with son Dallas, 5,
Ravenswood’s Graham Easton with son Dallas, 5,
 ??  ?? Harry Patteson gets a nudge in the bull ride.
Harry Patteson gets a nudge in the bull ride.

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