Bumper crowd revels in rodeo fun

More than 1800 residents and visitors flocked to the inaugural Raging Roughstock rodeo Cruise and Show n’ Shine at the Port Hedland Turf club on Saturday night.

The event attracted competitors from across WA, as well as a strong contingent of North West jackaroos including Leith Martin, Reg Percy, Brent Kelderman Eamon Finn, Geoffrey Manning and Tyler Sclipper.

The open saddle bronc was taken out by Port Hedland resident Jack Morris and all-Australian rider Wade McCarthy placed first in the bareback ride.

Jessie Deburgh took home the $2000 main prize after winning the Open Bull ride, closely followed by McCarthy and Gary Barnes.

Up-and-coming talent Stuart Rae topped the novice bull ride category and cowgirl Sally Latham won the ladies’ barrel race.

Outside the ring, spectators were treated to a variety of local food vendors, merchandise and an impressive car display by the North West Car Club.

The event finished with a live set from Bradley Hall and Bad Influence, which kept revellers boot scooting until the early hours of the morning.

Event organiser Kylie Rogerson said she was overwhelmed with the turnout, which far exceeded her expectations for the inaugural event.

“I was really happy with the way the event went ... the livestock and bulls were fabulous and we had an excellent contingent of competitors who travelled from as far away as Perth to compete,” she said.

“There’s not always a lot stuff going on around town particularly in the rodeo scene, so an event like this is great for some of our local cowboys as well as creating a bit of tourism for the town.

“It was also good to get the local pony clubs involved in the Ponykahna before the main event, they don’t often have an opportunity to showcase their skills to the community.”

Ms Rogerson thanked all the sponsors and volunteers who made the rodeo a success, adding she looked forward to an even bigger and better event next year.

“We’re wanting to make this the first of many rodeos,” she said.

“We are looking at creating a more regular Pilbara rodeo circuit — our next event will be at Marble Bar on the night of the races and after that we hope to travel to Karratha.

“For our next Port Hedland Rodeo next year, we will expand the arena and have a full rodeo line-up with roping and steer wrestling events.”