The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo this afternoon wraps up four days of world-class rodeo competition with Australia’s top cowboys and competitors thrilling massive crowds with spectacular skill and courage.
Isa Rodeo Limited Chief Executive Officer Ms Natalie Flecker said the competitors, rodeo fans and entertainment artists were thrilled to be back participating in a live event.
“Everyone’s excited, our competitors have missed competing and the atmosphere has been amazing all round the arena and behind the chutes,” said Ms Flecker.
Long-time Isa Rodeo Arena Director Steve Hilton said this weekend’s rodeo attracted 757 entries from 569 competitors.
“All events across the program were highly contested on outstanding stock,” said Mr Hilton. “We were very fortunate that most of the top competitors were already in Queensland on the Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) northern run. Mount Isa is the title everyone wants to win.”
From a three-way tie for first in the Poddy Ride shared by Byron Kirk, Clay Gill and Tatley Spain to 90 year old Bob Holder delighting crowds in the Over 55s Team Roping, and two-time NSPRA-USA World Champion All Round Over 40s cowboy David Mawhinney taking out the Over 40s Bull Ride title, the weekend was full of magic moments.
Best mates from Cameron Corner, Fred Osman and Tony Caldwell won the Open Bronc Riding titles, with Fred coming out of retirement to win his second Isa Rodeo Bareback title and Australian Saddlebronc champion Tony finally winning his first Isa Saddlebronc buckle after 15 years of trying.
The four day rodeo festival saw Queensland legends Jonathan Thurston mobbed by fans, and rugby league star Scotty Prince return to his hometown for the event. Rodeo legends like Dave Johnston, the first cowboy to ever ride time on notorious bull “Chainsaw” and bareback specialist Tony Hecksher enjoyed catching up with rodeo mates.
Outside the arena, the “Boy from the Bush” Lee Kernaghan hit the right note with a crowd of diehard fans, Sheppard wowed with crowd favourites “Geronimo” and “Coming Home” and and the Shank Brothers cooked up a storm at their live BBQ shows.
Maryann Wipaki, General Manager for Health, Safety, Environment and Community, Glencore Queensland Metals said the Isa Rodeo team had worked hard to safely host Mount Isa’s premier event during a challenging environment.
“As a proud sponsor of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo since 1959, Mount Isa Mines knows how important it is to our community to keep traditions alive, connecting communities and bringing friends and families together to share unforgettable moments,” said Maryann Wipaki
“I’d like to congratulate the competitors, and thank the Isa Rodeo Team, many volunteers and workers who have helped to host another successful event,” said Maryann Wipaki.
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is expected to inject $16 million into the Mount Isa economy.
The 2022 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo will be held 11 – 14 August, 2022.
Visit www.isarodeo.com.au
The event is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland.
For further media assistance please contact:
Susan Fuller, Isa Rodeo Media, Mob: 0411 463 693 E: susan.fuller@synergypr.net.au