The 2024 PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Final Championships recorded never seen before history as 19-year-old Boston Leather was not only crowned Rookie of the Year but the 2024 Australian Champion.
The event held in Townsville on Friday, 1 November and Saturday, 2 November, saw 22 riders compete for the championship title infront of a sold-out crowd of 10,000 fans.
Boston scored one qualified ride over the two nights on Cattle King Volatile from Dittmann Bucking Bulls, scoring 84.50.
His outstanding season gave him the edge he needed to secure the championship title, leaving him 123.85 points ahead of second place.
Standing alongside Calliope’s champion bull rider on the podium was Boston’s older brother Macualie Leather, who finished as the runner up.
Taking home both $90,000 in prize money and the golden buckle, Boston said he couldn’t believe it at first.
“I tried to rest this weekend and not put too much pressure on myself, but I think it’ll sink in over the next few days and I’ll be jumping,” he said.
“I didn’t expect to be and to be here, I’m very grateful for that I’m excited to see what’s next.”
The brothers achieved an Australian first record, as this is the first time siblings have achieved consecutive victories, as Macaulie was crowned as the 2023 Australian Champion.
Macaulie was unable to compete earlier in the year due to an injury which gave the 23-year-old a rough start to the season.
He didn’t give up without a fight though, because Macaulie came back with vengeance and took home the veent win, as the rider with the highest average over the two nights.
Macaluie was the only rider to make four qualified rides which left him in a secure position in runner up on the leaderboard.
His final ride was in the championship round on Revolver from Dunne Bucking Bulls, was Macaulie’s highest score of the tournament scoring 88 points.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome, to be a runner up to my little bro, there’s no better feeling,” Macaulie said.
“He’s our standard.
“From the time he was getting on calves I knew he’d be something special and he’s proved it to everyone all year and proved it to everyone here tonight – he’s s superstar in the making and I’m super proud of him for it.
“He deserves everything and I’m happy with the way I rode and just stoked to be here.”
Boston said he couldn’t be more proud of his brother.
“I couldn’t be happier for him,” Boston said.
“He’s an absolute unit he just goes out and does what he does best and loves every bit of it.
“All credit to him, to be honest if he didn’t have four months off at the start of the year, he’d be standing here doing this interview.”
International rider Daniel Keeping achieved the highest score of the event with 88.25 on Razor Sharp from CF7 Bucking Bulls.
Riders aren’t the only athletes in the PBR, and with lots of buck-offs, it was a great night for the bovine athletes.
It was Dittmann Bucking Bulls’ Mr T who took home the YETI Bucking Bull of the Year. Mr T’s highest scoring ride of the night was 44.0, bucking off Boston Leather in 55.56 seconds.
Australian Contractor of the year went to Colin Fry (CF7 Bucking Bulls).
PBR General Manager said it was a great way to end the 2024 PBR Monster Energy Tour.
“It’s the first time, in history, we’ve seen a Rookie of the Year also win champion of the year, and to top it off with brother’s coming first and second, it was a very special night for the Leather family,” Mr Young said.
“This year saw a number of international riders join the PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals, which truly is a testament to the quality of riders we are producing in Australia.”
“It was great to welcome some of the world’s best riders to compete with us, it was a huge international event, and it was still our Aussies riders who took home most of the wins.
“It was also pretty special to welcome back Brady Fielder, Qynn Anderson and Zane Hall, who have all been competing in America and made the trip to Australia to compete in the Grand Finals.
“We’re not quite finished just yet, with our two rookies Ben Bode and Boston Leather taking on the PBR Canada National Finals next weekend.”
While he’s not sure about the vast change in temperature, going into the Canadian winter, Boston said he’s looking forward to the opportunity.
“The change of bulls will be awesome, I haven’t been in the states so the change of bulls will be very good, and meeting lots of people will be good to get my name out there,” he said.
Mr Young said PBR Australia will be back in Townsville for the 2025 PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals, and fans better get in quick.
“We take this tour all over Australia, from Cairns to Bendigo, giving fans a taste of a PBR event, but it’s nothing like Townsville, and they want to see a grand final.
“We sold out last year and we sold out this year, so my advice would be get in quick if you want to be a part of something special next year, and keep an eye out for the 2025 tour dates so you can get in early.“
