MALDON cowboy Toby Collins has won a rare treble in rough stock events in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association.
He won the saddle bronc, bull ride and bareback bronc ride at the Omeo Rodeo in Victoria, one of four on the Southern Cross Circuit on the Easter weekend.
Not only is Collins the only APRA member who regularly competes in the three bucking events, he has qualified for all three events in the National Finals Rodeo at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre at Caboolture on May 1-4.
Collins scored 82 to win the bull ride by five points at Omeo and backed up with a 77 in saddle bronc and 74 in bareback to make it a treble at Omeo.
He also scored a double at the Great Western Rodeo with victory in the saddle bronc and bull ride and a third in bareback to show he is in the best form of his career approaching the finals.
Collins won the saddle bronc at Buchan on Easter Sunday with a score of 81.
South Australian star Glen Kent, of Strathalbyn, was second in saddle bronc to Collins at Omeo and has a good chance to win another APRA title at the National Finals Rodeo next month.
Willow Tree (NSW) rider Nichole Fitzpatrick is a strong chance to win the all around cowgirl title at the NFR and showed she is in outstanding form with wins in the barrel race and breakaway roping at the Great Western Rodeo.
The top 15 in each APRA event have qualified for the National Finals Rodeo which will be held for the first time at the purpose-built Queensland State Equestrian Centre at Caboolture on May 1-4.
There will be four rounds at the finals with points for placings in each round determining the 11 title winners.
Events at the finals are saddle bronc ride, bull ride, bareback bronc ride, rope and tie, steer wrestling, team roping, ladies barrel race and ladies breakaway roping. Competitors in two or more events will also be eligible to vie for the all around title buckles for cowboys and cowgirls.
NFR PROGRAM:
May 1-2 (day time) Junior National Finals Rodeo at Caboolture
May 1-4 National Finals Rodeo at Caboolture.
NFR Session times: May 1 6pm; May 2 6pm; May 3 4pm; May 4 11am
Tickets for the National Finals Rodeo on May 1-4 at the QSEC at Caboolture can be purchased by going on the website www.qsec.com.au or by phoning 0754333222.
More information from APRA on 07 46618183
