ORGANISERS of the Wimmera's first exclusive bull-riding event are hoping above-average prize money will attract top riders from across the country.
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The prize pool for the Nhill Apex Bull Ride on February 23 stands at $7500, but will rise by $100 with every entry. Nhill Apex Club president Neil Keam said a committee began organising a rodeo eight months ago.
Then equine influenza and other unexpected problems caused long delays. He said the group decided to go ahead with the event without horses, changing it from a rodeo to a bull ride.
Bullfighter Daniel Klabe will join Australian Bullfighting Champion Tom Wreford in the ring to distract the bucking bulls from fallen riders. Cash prizes will be available in first, second and junior divisions. Some of the profits will be donated to Pink Ladies, a breast cancer awareness group.
"Half of the rodeos have been cancelled," Mr Keam said. "So the riders will be ready to grab what they can." Former competitor and self- confessed rodeo fanatic Ian Bone of Nhill has worked alongside Apex to help organise the event. His grandchildren Brandon, 9, and Kirsty, 16, will compete in the junior section.
Mr Bone has been part of the rodeo scene since 1958 but decided he was `too old' when bull-riding was introduced.
He follows rodeos throughout the state and always recognises about 60 per cent of the crowd. He said he was pleased to have such a big event so close to home. "As far as I'm concerned it will be the biggest and the best," he said.
"It's a passion, like people are passionate about football. "A lot of people follow the rodeos around, and a lot of people think we're stupid. But it's great."
Mr Bone said bullfighter Tom Wreford was deserving of the Australian title.
"He's the best in the business," he said.
"To see him dance around the bulls with such ease is brilliant." Stock contractor Ron Woodall, from Lyons, between Heywood and Dartmoor, will supply bulls and steers for the event. Gates will open at 2pm and the bull ride will start at 6pm on Saturday February 23. Tickets will be available at the gate. Mr Bone said people could call him on 5391 9204 for more details about the event.
•The Mail-Times is giving away six family passes to the event, valued at $50 each. See next week's Mail-Times for a competition entry coupon.