A Giru cowboy has returned from Tamworth an open bull riding champion after the Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo was held in the ‘country music capital’ from January 25-27.
Braydon Wellby went into the event placed third in the standings in the YETI Open Bull Ride, qualifying as one of 15 finalists after stellar results throughout 2023.
With three opportunities to accumulate points, there were no qualified rides in the first go-round and the second was looking much the same until Braydon was one of only two riders to get to the buzzer in round two.
“I bumped off my first bull, rode my second bull for 84.5 points on Back Handed Panda and then my third bull was Cliff Hanger and rode it for 81 points to seal the deal,” Braydon said.
Giru cowboy Braydon Wellby is an open bull riding champion after competing in Tamworth. Photo credit: Stephen Mowbray
Giru bull rider Braydon Wellby said it felt “pretty good” to be crowned an open bull ride champion at the recent Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo in Tamworth.
“It’s been on my bucket list for a while, to become an Australian champion,” Braydon said.
“It took a little bit to sink in, but it was good.”
Growing up between Townsville and Georgetown, Braydon was raised surrounded by rodeo.
“Both of my parents rodeoed so I’ve always been around it and always done it,” he said.
“I love doing it, I love versing the animal.
“I do other events in rodeo, too, but bull riding’s probably my favourite event.”
Braydon now lives in Giru where his work also involves cattle, working in contract mustering and fencing.
“It’s good being around the cattle all the time, it’s what I enjoy doing,” he said.
While he’s travelled all over Australia and the world to compete, including to America and Canada, Braydon said nothing beats a local rodeo.
“These days, I’d much rather go to these local Queensland events, go to rodeos and compete around here,” he said.
“They’re a bit more relaxed and cruisy.”
Braydon hasn’t yet finalised his calendar for the rest of 2024, but looks forward to these local rodeos the most.
“I’ll do all the shows up in north Queensland here, but I haven’t picked which events I want to travel away for yet around Australia,” he said.
Braydon Wellby won the championship with two big rides in Tamworth. Photo supplied: Lorraine Wellby
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