Rodeo circuit a whirl for Mt Isa rookie rider
JAKE Curr’s first year professional bull rider been unlike any other.
For a long time it appeared like it would never get off the ground.
Then for the past two months it has been one long whirlwind road trip around regional Queensland for the Mt Isa bull rider.
But through it all Curr has never lost sight of why he got into the sport in the first place and he is ready to celebrate in what will be his homecoming at the Townsville Entertainas a has
ment and Convention Centre.
The 21-year-old has made an impressive start to his career, and is the frontrunner to take out the PBR Rookie of the Year honours after this weekend’s PBR Grand Finals in Townsville. He picked up an event win at Beaudesert last month, and sits in the top three in the national standings with a 50 per cent ride ratio.
But ahead of his maiden finals ride, Curr admitted it would be a bit different when he stepped up to the chute.
“It is pretty hard to deny that it will be a little different,” Curr said.
“There is the atmosphere of the show, and they pick the best crop of bulls for the grand finals.
“But I don’t think it will change how I approach it. I just try to go out and have a good time, I approach it like I am back at home and riding the bulls during the week.
“I have a lot of family and friends coming down from Mt Isa to watch me compete and it will be good to have them there. It isn’t any added pressure, they are there to have a party and have fun and they will support me whether I win or lose.”
While many of the PBR professional ranks have strict diets and training regimes, Curr admitted the secret to his success was taking it easy.
Rather than hitting the gym every day, he is out on the farm mustering cattle, riding horses and fixing fences.
While he might have sworn off the Mcdonalds during the season, that is as far as the obsession has gone.
“I have really enjoyed my first season in the professionals,” he said.
“I knew a few of the guys before I started doing the rodeos.
“Everyone is really friendly in the sport and they really support each other.
“I am just looking forward to the finals and getting out there and having some fun.”