Sport
23 April, 2025
Bullride series returns with ANZAC round
THE eagerly anticipated Great Northern Bullriding Series will host its first event of the year this weekend to honour ANZAC Day and will showcase some of the toughest cowboys and rankest bucking bulls the region has to offer.
“It’s good that it’s back, I’m excited to get back into it,” Series director Peter Brown said.
“The first one is always the best because you have fresh bulls and healthy cowboys.”
The event will be held this Saturday with gates opening at 5pm for a 7pm start and will include the two big names in the bucking bull world: Slide Out and Warrior.
Slide Out is a two-time Great Northern Bullriding Series Bucking Bull of the Year and was named the 2024 ABCRA Bucking Bull of the Year. He has also never had a qualified ride in the Great Northern Series.
Warrior, the “big black bull”, is a former Bucking Bull of the Year and is renowned for his maneuvering and turning back at the gate.
The event will also feature some of the top, toughest cowboys from the region. This includes the likes of Braydon Wellby, Patrick Hart, Leith Malone and Cody Williams.
Wellby will be looking to repeat his success at last years event when he claimed first place. He missed the final rounds due to a broken leg.
“Braydon’s back after his injury, which is good. Patty Hart, who won the title last year, is also back,” Mr Brown said.
“You’ve got Leith Malone as well, he’s always up there in the standings. Cody Williams too, he’s a good, young cowboy from down south.
“We have $6,000 up for grabs for the open bull ride, so you’re bound to get some decent cowboys chasing that sort of money.”
The Great Northern Bullriding Series have been holding the ANZAC Round as their first event and donating proceeds to the Mareeba RSL sub-branch for the past three years.
“This is our third year doing this for the sub-branch, which is really good, and having it one day after ANZAC day is a good way to just to show some respect, thank those that gave their life for us and give a bit of money back to the local community,” Mr Brown said.
“It’s a family show and it’s very quick. It’s two and a half hours of non-stop action. We’ll have our country DJ playing at the end of the show too.
“There’s also free camping Saturday night, so grab your swag and your firepit and head out to the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds.”
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. However, there is a family pack (two adults, two kids) that is only available online.
Tickets can be purchased via https://events.humanitix.com/gnbs25-mareeba/tickets?hxchl=hex-pfl.
