PBR Bull Mania Burnett Heads had Burnett Heads rocking on Saturday night as a big crowd turned out to watch breathtaking bull riding action.
Lighthouse Hotel manager Gavin Hales said the bull riding event exceeded their expectations and it was a huge night of fun with a fantastic atmosphere.
Gavin said 2500 people turned out to watch the cowboys ride the bulls and the evening went smoothly.
He now hopes to get the event added to the Lighthouse Hotel’s annual event calendar, which in return could boost the Bundaberg Region’s economy.
“It’s the first time ever that we have held a bull-riding event, and we did it with a bang,” he said.
“The gates opened at 5pm and we had people lining up from 4pm, so we knew it was going to be a big night.
“PBR are the best in the world when it comes to bull riding, and these bulls were direct from Mount Isa, the bull riding capital of Queensland.
“The quality of the bulls was unbelievable, and the crowd just kept wanting more.
“I’ve never been to bull-riding events before, so it’s hard to compare for me but so many people said it was the best they’d ever seen.
“The atmosphere was fantastic – the first rider was rag dolled and this just had the crowd ready for more.”
Ethan Watts earned his first 2019 event win last night at the Touring Pro event.
The Tamworth cowboy has been a strong performer on the professional bull-riding circuit for several years.
There was only one problem Gavin said he did have and that was finding enough seats for everyone as the inaugural event was so popular.
“It really was an unbelievable turnout, it was a full house and the only problem I had was a good one!” he said.
“Two of the riders ended up in hospital but with this kind of sport it’s to be expected and I spoke to PBR and they said it wasn’t anything too serious.
“One rider had a dislocated shoulder and for a moment he was knocked unconscious and there was a moment of silence from the crowd and the announcer asked us to pray for him – he was okay.”
Gavin now hopes the bull-riding event will become a yearly event and said he’d love to be part of PBR’s riding circuit.
“Once the dust settles we'll be in talks and hope to have this event again next year,” he said.
“To actually get on the PBR tour circuit would be ideal not only for us, but the region would make the big time.”
PBR Australia opened its Queensland office in 2005 and operates two competition series with about 20 events every year.
Bundaberg Now photographer Paul Donaldson was there to capture the action.
- Bucking bulls on their way to Burnett Heads
Just another way to control and yes frequently harm animals.
Family fun watching animals suffer?
Yes they do suffer – check out animals that break legs at rodeos and more at Animals Australia.
Calf roping is particularly cruel – these poor babies are roughly treated and terrified.
Have we no sensitivity to their suffering?
Not much fun for the injured riders or the hospital system that must treat them (at taxpayer expense).
Not fun for them – not fun for me.
Comments are closed.