Australia’s best rodeo competitors have been crowned with the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association’s (ABCRA) National Finals Rodeo wrapping up at the Australian Equine Livestock and Events Centre (AELEC) in Tamworth, NSW over the weekend. 

More than 210 competitors competed across the three-days in junior and senior events, with Wade McCarthy from Muckenburra, WA named the All Round Cowboy National Title winner and the Bull Ride National Title winner, while Tamworth’s Anna Crisp took out the All Round Cowgirl National Title, as well as the Breakaway Roping National Title with ‘Chex R All I Know’, which was also named Breakaway Roping Horse of the Year. 

Isaac LeClair from Kiara, WA was named the Graham Keir Memorial All Round Rookie Cowboy, and Jolene Kallus from Eumungerie, NSW was crowned the Graham Keir Memorial All Round Rookie Cowgirl. Bendemeer’s Braith Nock with crowned Rookie Bull Ride Champion and Tammy Cooper from Glen Oak, NSW was named Rookie Barrel Race Champion with ‘Rio’. 

ABCRA Executive Officer, Craig Young said there was some serious competition across the three-days, with the nation’s top competitors on show. 

“We had a fantastic National Finals event, with numerous National Title winners and Aggregate Champions crowned across all rodeo disciplines,” he said. 

“Tamworth’s Travis Heeb took out both the National Title and Aggregate Champion in the Bareback, and Jayden Blacker was crowned Saddle Bronc National Title winner. 

“Katina Matthews also impressed, taking out the Barrel Race National Title on ‘Filthy Rich N Famous’, which was also named Barrel Horse of the Year.” 

The event also raised money for charity, with several thousand raised for the NSW Cancer Council at the traditional blanket drop that was held during the Tough Enough to Wear Pink night on Friday. 

“We always loved to support the NSW Cancer Council and since 2011 more than $75,000 has been raised through dedicated rodeo events,” said Mr Young. 

“An almost sell-out crowd on Saturday night, also helped support Lifeline during the Bruce Green Memorial night and raise funds for a new crisis support centre in the region.” 

A full list of National Title winners, Aggregate Champions and Rookie Champions can be found here.