RODEO: Swanfels cowboy Lane Grayson might have qualified eighth in saddle bronc for The Carlton Dry Warwick Rodeo National Finals but don't discount his chances of winning his first title this week.

He is one of seven finalists from the Warwick area. Round 1 action in eight events runs from 6pm tonight.

In saddle bronc, Mt Isa winner Michael Maher and Peel Tribe have drawn first and second in round 1 so Warwick fans won't have to wait too long for the locals. Warwick rider Mark Collins has drawn 10th and Grayson is the 15th and last on the draw.

Jeff Miller is in team roping, Mitch Eastwell in the rope and tie and Fred Osman in the bareback to make up the Warwick seven.

Grayson is in his first national finals in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association but has already competed in two Canadian finals this year and at the Calgary Stampede

He flew to North America in May and in four months qualified for Lakeland Rodeo Association and Wildrose Rodeo Association circuit finals.

Grayson won two rounds at the Lakeland finals and placed at the Wildrose finals. He won a round of the novice saddle bronc ride at Calgary and went into the novice final ranked No.3. Only one rider made time in the finals and Grayson finished fourth overall.

The Swanfels rider won the saddle bronc ride at 15 rodeos in four months in Canada.

He travelled a lot in Canada with some fellow Australians. Grayson has only been in the sport for two years after playing Brisbane colts rugby league with the Ipswich Jets.

Local barrel races

THE Warwick Hack and Pony Club has sponsored local barrel races with 22 competitors in the first rodeo action at the Warwick Showgrounds at 4.30pm today. This is a new event for Warwick. The pony club has put up $300 in prize money.

See tomorrow's Daily News for stories on Warwick pair Michael Maher and Mark Collins and their Friday night match-ups in round 2.