Six riders from the Young Shire, including Quandialla, have qualified for the Australian finale of the Eighth World Series of Team Roping.
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Scott Foster and Geoff Thorp of Young, Michael Wilkinson and his 12-year-old daughter Montanna from Wallendbeen and Craig and Robyn Dowsett of Quandialla have all made it through to the next level following a successful qualifying round held in Young last weekend.
The pro rodeo arena at Toompang Racecourse came alive on Sunday, April 27 as up to 200 teams descended on the town for the World Series qualifier - all vying for a spot in the national titles in Tamworth in September.
The competition had about 12 competitors representing Young.
“It was disappointing the Young representation wasn’t bigger than it was but there were a few things against us, like the Australian rodeo finals in Queensland,” competitor Michael Wilkinson said.
“Apart from that it was awesome.”
The local troupe will now prepare for the Australian finale where riders have the opportunity to qualify for the World Series in Las Vegas in December and compete for $7 million in prizemoney.
“I’ve been to the Australian titles before, it’ll be good,” Michael said.
“It’s a good deal.”
Michael said the prizemoney alone is outstanding, adding that Young’s qualifier distributed about $1300 in the Number 9 level (lowest handicap level) and $2000 in Number 11 and 13 levels.
“The likes of Tamworth, there will be near $5000 a man. There were two riders from Tamworth last year that won $47,000 each in Las Vegas and that’s for fourth place,” Michael said.
“It’s huge over there.”
It’s expected the number of events staged at the Young pro rodeo arena will only increase now that Young Shire Council has approved the construction of a more permanent fixture next to the racecourse in Temora Road.
Pro Rodeo Club president Paul Blake said he’s had “a fair few” comments in response to newspaper articles and news broadcasts last week.
He believes locals are excited about the facility and its potentials.
“I spent 15 minutes talking to an ex bank manager about it and you wouldn’t think someone with that kind of background would be interested,” Paul said.
“Hopefully we can keep the momentum going.”
