Close finish makes for tough competition at AELEC this month - get your tickets today!

The 2014 ABCRA National Finals is set to be one to remember with the completion of the 2014 season coming to a close finish! Competitors are now making preparations for the tough competition ahead at the AELEC arena in January 2015. 

Held during Tamworth’s Country Music Week, the ABCRA National Finals consist of the Junior National Finals Rodeo to be held on January 20 & 21 followed by the Senior National Finals Rodeo on January 22 to 24 and the National Finals Campdraft onJanuary 23 & 24.

The ABCRA boasts an exceptional member base who will be showcasing their talent throughout the National Finals. The top 15 Senior Rodeo qualifiers in each of the events – Bull Riding, Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, Steer Undecorating, Team Roping, Rope & Tie, and Steer Wrestling – will compete across 3 rounds with high hopes of becoming event champion and taking home the prestigious and sought after title.

During the finals, rough stock contestants will be matched against the toughest stock Australia has to offer, with stock contractors travelling from all over the nation to be part of the event. Crowds are certain to be cheering on these courageous cowboys.

In the Open Saddle Bronc, Luke Morgan holds a near $3000 lead from his rivals, putting him in a comfortable position as he prepares for the Finals competition. It’s a safe bet there will be a gruelling fight to the finish as these contestants go head to head in the three rounds at the national finals Rodeo.

In the Steer Wrestling, Jock Bone-Langdon holds a very close lead from the other contestants. Jock has spent a lot of time competing across Australia in the past 12 months earning his top place in the standings going into the National Finals Rodeo. He will be a great competitor to watch at the finals with the kind of skill, technique and consistency that could see him take home both the national title and finals champion title.

In the Bull Riding, Wade McCarthy from Mukkenburra in WA has had an outstanding year with numerous wins and placing’s under his belt. Wade has finished the 2014 season with a close lead ahead of his rivals. Wade will certainly be in the eye of many as he competes at AELEC in January 2015.

Rodeo’s speed based event, known as barrel racing, will feature skilful ladies on fast horses as they race through the cloverleaf pattern in an attempt to stop the clocks with the quickest time. Coonamble’s Bianca Hertel knows what it’s all about, having a monstrous lead of $6000 in front of the rest of the Barrel Racers. Bianca is determined to finish the season second to none.

Competitors and spectators alike are encouraged to be “Tough Enough To Wear Pink” and support the Cancer Council during the performance on Friday 23 January. The arena will be decked out in pink and all money raised on the night will be donated to the Cancer Council.  The brighter the better! Pink merchandise will be readily available from AELEC on the day.

The ABCRA Junior National Finals Rodeo will see rodeo’s rising stars take to the AELEC arena over 2 rounds in their chosen events including: Junior Barrel Racing, Junior Steer Riding and Junior Breakaway Roping. The finals offers these talented youngsters opportunity to show the world what they have to offer as they begin their bright rodeo careers.

Tamworth’s Jackson Dening leads the junior breakaway roping for the second year running, by an impressive 43 points and has a strong backing of supporters eager to see him win the national title.

Another Local Tamworth cowboy Nicholas Penrose is sitting pretty with 28 points ahead of his rivals in the Juvenile Steer Ride standings. Nicholas has worked tirelessly throughout the year in the fight for the 2014 Title, let’s see if this young cowboy has what it takes to achieve his goals.

Bianca Canham has finished the season on top in the Juvenile Barrel Standings, this has Bianca in with a good chance of taking out the sort after National Finals and average titles for 2014. Bianca will be one to watch over the 2 rounds of national finals junior rodeo.

This year’s ABCRA Junior National Finals will once again be raising funds for Camp Quality during the performance on Wednesday 21 January. Spectators, family and friends are encouraged to come dressed inpurple to support Camp Quality.

Are you or do you know a budding Junior Rodeo enthusiast? ABCRA will also again be hosting its popular Build a Cowboy/Cowgirl day, allowing children to come and get involved in the sport through learning about all the different events and being shown the tricks of the trade. A highlight of the day is always that children are able to participate in activities such as riding the bucking drum and having a go at the steer wrestling machine, giving them a real life rodeo experience. With a team of instructors made up of past champions and up and coming stars, the children are being taught by the best in the business.

The ABCRA National Finals Campdraft will feature some of Australia’s best horsemen and women, along with their four legged friends in a test of skill, consistency, horsemanship and athleticism. It’s guaranteed the competition will be world class, with our top 25 rider’s competing for their sought after titles. The events include: Open, Novice, Maiden, Ladies, Juvenile 13-U17, Junior 8-U13, Most successful rider and the Encouragement drafts.

Troy Palmer is envied by most for his ability to produce outstanding campdraft horses and compete at the highest level. Troy leads the open horse event on Binnia Impressive Destiny. He is also sitting in first place in the most successful rider leader-board.

April Langridge leads the 13-U17 Juvenille Campdraft by a small margin of 5.25 points, which may not seem like much however still opens the door for her to take home the national title in this event.

Emma Malone has just made it to top spot in the Ladies Campdraft standings. Emma will head into the finals with a mere lead of ½ a point in front of Simone Harvey, making for some excellent competition ahead at the National Finals Campdraft. The Ladies Campdraft will be the event to watch.

Saturday 24 January will see the ABCRA take part in the cavalcade through Peel Street which will incorporate impressive floats along with horses and riders. Competitors, family, friends and fans are encouraged to come along and experience the buzz of the Country Music Festival and watch this long-time tradition.

The ABCRA is the only association in Australia to offer both campdraft and rodeo and is currently celebrating 68 years. This year’s national finals have been completely revamped and revitalised and competitors and spectators can expect an amazing week of entertainment. Each night fans will experience rodeo and campdraft performances in addition to giveaways, action replays on the big screen and much more. Not just a rodeo or campdraft, this year’s ABCRA National Finals will be the event of the year!

The national finals in 2015 will see the beginning of a new approach to the promotion and marketing of ABCRA’s flagship event – a shift we hope will see continued growth in the prestige of and therefore attendance at the event. For 2015 there will be discounted family tickets available on Thursday & Friday; Premier A & Premier B seating on Saturday and VIP seating at all three Senior Rodeo Performances (Thursday, Friday & Saturday). The VIP seating offers spectators the complete entertainment package with entry to the event, the best seat in the house and food & drinks all included!!

With so much entertainment in one place there won’t be a dull moment and spectators are guaranteed to be on the edge of their seats for the duration of the finals. The event promises to be like none before and isn’t to be missed so spread the word, grab your cowboy hats and bring along your friends and family for a great night out. ABCRA National Finals Tickets are selling fast so get in before you miss out.

Congratulations to all the competitors who have qualified for the 2014 ABCRA National Finals. See you in Tamworth in January!!