Sport
29 April, 2024
Wellby secures first bullriding series win
MAREEBA’S Kerribee Park was rocking on Saturday night, when more than 2000 people witnessed some of the region’s best bull riders take on some of the rankest bulls as part of the Anzac Round of the Great Northern Bullriding Series 2024.
It was the first round of the series and delivered plenty of action for the large crowd.
National champion cowboy Brayden Wellby took on his nemesis, ABCRA Bucking Bull of the Year, “Warrior”, during the final ride over the night, ready for revenge against the unridden bull.
But “Warrior’s” power was too much for the Giru cowboy, bucking him off in just six seconds.
Despite that, Wellby took home the first win of the series for the open bull ride.
In the novice category, local bull rider Jake Simpson came out on top, making the eight seconds in his final ride of the night.
Junior rider Grant Martin also made his name known in the arena, taking home the win for his category.
In the mini bulls 11-14 age group, it was Levi Murray who took the cash while “pocket rocket” Travis Shaw took the win in the 8-11 mini bull riding competition.
Organiser Peter Brown said he was proud to see the bull riding community come together for the first round of the series, supporting the Mareeba RSL Sub Branch and all their work.
“Everyone stayed on to enjoy the DJ after the bull ride. The man to watch in 2024 is Jake Simpson, who won the novice bull ride. If he has a great year, he could be the rookie of the year,” Peter said.
“Obviously, Braydon Welby will be hard to beat again in the open contest.”
The next event of the series will be in Gordonvale on Saturday 25 May.
