The Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) National Finals have left their mark after riding away at CQLX in Gracemere from Thursday, 7 November to Saturday, 9 November.
Stronger numbers through the gate saw an increase in both revenue and volume as athletes from across Australia put it all on the line for a National Championship.
After a gruelling three days, battling the heat and other competitors, the golden buckles were handed out on Sunday evening.
APRA’s executive chairman Glen Mansfield said it was an outstanding finals series with the well-deserved winners earning their championship glory.
“It all played out well in the end,” he said.
“We had a few new champions, everyone worked their way through the heat and we got it done.
“It’s quite a good venue and it is a big job to put it all together.
“There’s plenty of thanks needed for the locals at Gracemere with Shane Iker and his team of people.
“They do a great job in getting it happening.”
Pine Grove’s Terry Evison was named the official All-Around Cowboy of the Year following another outstanding performance.
Emerald’s Leanne Caban secured another two incredible accolades to her enormous resume as she took home the All-Around Cowgirl as well as the Barrel Race National Championships.
Fellow Emerald cowgirl Angela Simpson was named the national champion in Breakaway Roping.
Central Queenslander and four-time All-Around Cowboy Campbell Hodson took home the Team Roping Header as well as the Rope and Tie National championships with Aaron Bookluck securing the Team Roping Heeler.
Victorian Jarrod McKane showed his class in the Bareback National Championship event, being crowned first once again.
Tumut cowboy Dylan Weir claimed the top spot in the Bull-Riding competition as Charters Towers’ Ryley Gibb became a five-time Australian Steer Wrestling champion.
And Michael Johnston rounded off the nationals with a win in the Saddle Broncs competition.
2024 National Champions:
All-Around Cowgirl – Leanne Caban
All-Around Cowboy – Terry Evison
Bareback – Jarrod McKane
Breakaway Roping – Angela Simpson
Team Roping Header – Campbell Hodson
Team Roping Heeler – Aaron Bookluck
Rope and Tie – Campbell Hodson
Saddle Bronc – Michael Johnston
Barrel Race – Leanne Caban
Steer Wrestling – Ryley Gibb
Bull Ride – Dylan Weir
