LAST CHANCE: See best bull rider ahead of retirement
THERE'S a new destination on the rodeo circuit for Warwick champion saddle bronc rider Michael Maher, and it's not too far from home.
The Goondiwindi Show Rodeo is set to ring in some of the biggest names in the game in its first year as an Australian Pro Rodeo Association-affiliated event.
Rodeo organiser Scott Keogh said it was the best line-up Goondiwindi had seen in many years.
"We have champions coming from as far north as Mackay and as far south as Goulburn,” he said.
"The top riders in the country love to follow these big rodeos,” Keogh said.
After winning the Mt Isa Rodeo saddle bronc for the third time in a row - something never before achieved - Maher is one of the big riders to look out for when the rodeo kicks off at 7 tonight.
Trained by the "best of the best” Darryl Joe Kong, Maher is an experienced rider.
But other rodeo royalty will be among the competitors as well.
Keogh said the Goondiwindi Rodeo would be one of the last opportunities to catch legendary Cessnock bull rider Jason O'Hearn before he retires.
At 40 years of age, O'Hearn should have retired 10 years ago if you're going by the paperwork.
But Keogh said the man just keeps coming back.
"He is the best bull rider Australia has seen in 10 years ... the man is fearless, he's made of steel and he just keeps turning up.”
The rodeo stock are supplied by the Gill Brothers, whose famed name brings the best of the best to the rodeo ring.
But while the beasts in the big leagues are fearsome, without a doubt it's the bucking ponies you really have to watch out for.
Champion bucker Equimec Spoordawg is the name to remember and the talent to watch.
The little powerhouse, worthy of its own sponsor, has only been ridden once in 40 buck-outs.
"That's how good this pony is,” Keogh said.
But the evening of action won't stop with the riding.
Other entertainment includes a fireworks display and the Rooftop Express Show, which is a theatrical arena show with multiple livestock.
There will also be a live band, food stalls and show rides for rodeo patrons to enjoy.
