The champions of 2024 are saddling up again, ready to return to Warwick this October to defend their titles in what promises to be one of the fiercest showdowns in the event’s long history.
“Next month, the best of the best cowboys and cowgirls from across the country will converge on Warwick for a buckle battle of the ages,” Warwick Show and Rodeo Society president Gerard O’Leary said.
“Warwick is recognised around the world as Australia’s most famous rodeo and campdraft, and here’s why: the champions return year after year to defend their titles, to test themselves against the nation’s toughest stock, and to send the dust flying.
“This year will be even bigger, with our 2024 champions back and facing a rising tide of challengers.”
Among the biggest stories from last year was Maldon cowboy Toby Collins, who took home two buckles, winning the Bull Ride and sharing the Saddle Bronc buckle with New South Wales rider Jesse Dennis. Collins confirmed he will make the 1,500-kilometre trip back to Warwick this year.
“I’ll be back. A 1,500-kilometre trip is nothing when Warwick’s on the line, especially with two titles to defend,” he said.
The Bull Ride will again be a crowd favourite, with Rockhampton’s Rope McPhee and Goondiwindi’s Jake Hawker among the challengers, while Nash Jones will fly in from the USA to chase the title after narrowly missing out last year.
In the Bareback Bronc, Victoria’s Jarrod McKane will return after winning the 2024 Warwick buckle and later adding the 2025 Mount Isa Mines Bareback buckle to his record. McKane will be joined by top riders including Yass cowboy Brendan Crawley and North Queensland’s Jayden Lane.
Four-time APRA All-Round Champion Campbell Hodson will also be back, aiming to repeat his 2024 Rope and Tie victory. He also showed his versatility in Steer Wrestling last year, placing third behind Glen Chape of Coonabarabran and Heath Nichols. Hodson’s winning streak has continued into 2025, including two more buckles at Mount Isa.
The women’s competition will once again shine, with Emerald’s Ms Leanne Caban returning to defend her barrel racing title aboard her gelding Akka Dakka. She will face challengers including Kate Patch, Erika Quinn and rising talent Ellysa Kenny, who also impressed in Breakaway Roping. That event was won in 2024 by Jorja Iker of Alton Downs.
In the junior ranks, Rosewood rider Lucas Taylor steps up to the opens this year after an incredible 2024 season that included multiple NRA and Elite Bull Riders Australia titles.
The Team Roping buckle holders Rope McPhee and Toby Hale will also be back to defend their title after finishing ahead of Jeff Miller and Johnny Osborne last year.
And in the famous Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft, 2024 saw history written when Kimberley Sammon of Beaudesert became only the third woman ever to claim the prestigious trophy, riding the stallion SDP Scott David. Sammon also won the Ladies Silver Cup. While she is unsure if she will ride this year after recently welcoming a baby boy, she confirmed that Scotty will be in the arena.
With returning champions, rising stars and new challengers all set to clash, Warwick is again preparing for a week of dust, determination and buckle battles.
