Roping record in Osborne's sights

WARWICK cowboy Johnny Osborne has taken the lead in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association team roping heeler standings.

He is one of five cowboys from the Southern Downs in the top 20 in their respective events.

Osborne is the most successful cowboy in team roping history but competed in only a handful of rodeos in 2008 and 2009.

Now he is back competing more often and has the chance to win another pro tour title and set another team roping record.

Osborne and Heath Litchfield, of Griffith, are past national record holders in team roping but a new record was set early this year by Nilma North (Victoria) pair Terry Evison and Aaron Bookluck.

After winning the pro tour last year in bareback, Gore rider Fred Osman is in second place behind Upper Horton rider Matthew Makinson.

In the saddle bronc ride, Warwick has three of the top 20.

Lucas Wilson has used the experience from riding in North America to move to second in the standings behind last year’s pro tour winner Peter Moffatt, of Millmerran.

Michael Maher is eighth and in line for his first APRA finals qualification, while Mark Collins is 18th.

The top 15 in each event qualify for the APRA National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast in January. Standings are determined by prize money so placings at the richest rodeos, Mt Isa in August, and Warwick in October, are crucial for competitors keen to make the finals.

Former Warwick State High School student Lee Kimber leads the all around cowboy standings and Amber Burns, of Dreeite, in Victoria, is the cowgirls leader.