City ropes in national finals | Ipswich News | Local News in Ipswich

IPSWICH will host Australia's best cowboys and cowgirls during the National Rodeo Finals later this month.

The National Rodeo Council of Australia (NRCA) event offers competitors more than $20,000 in cash prizes, in addition to the much-sought-after Australian Champion buckle for the winner of each event.

Riders from as far away as the Northern Territory and Western Australia will take part in a range of events on September 18 and 19 from 6pm to 10pm.

Blacksoil-based team steer roping competitor Bob Armitage said last year's rodeo attracted an estimated 5000 people to the Briggs Road arena over two days.

“Aside from bull riding there will also be the rope and tie, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel race and breakaway roping,” Mr Armitage said.

“Then in the juniors there's the bull ride and barrel race.”

Mr Armitage will collect a handy cash prize if successful, but said he was more interested in taking home the trophy.

“We don't do it for the money - that's a very small part of it,” he said. “Rodeo has a bit of a rough image but it is actually a very family-orientated sport.”

Fans can also look forward to entertainment including miniature bucking ponies and a local steer ride event, where local footballers will don the cowboy hat and boots and go head to head in the rodeo ring.

Organisers have also billed a new event, known as the Legends Bull Ride, in which some of Australia's best former riders will compete.

Rodeo Queen of Australia Tayla-Maree Johnston will sing the national anthem to what is hoped to be a sell-out crowd at the Briggs Road Sporting Complex, Raceview.

NRCA chairman Pat Staines said the event had the full support of Ipswich City Council.

“The NRCA is looking forward to building the event in Ipswich over the next five years and beyond and is very appreciative of the support received from the Ipswich community,” Mr Staines said.

For information or tickets to the rodeo finals, visit www.national

rodeocouncil.com.au or call

02 6737 3777.