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New Zealander leads the way in Hughenden

09/05/2011

New Zealander leads the way in Hughenden

Sept 5, 2011) – New Zealand bull rider Fraser Babbington arrived in North West Queensland on a mission and left with the victory at the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Touring Pro Division in Hughenden, on Saturday night.

The Hughenden racecourse packed with over 1000 fans as they roared with appreciation when the nation’s elite bull riders took on a pen of the west’s most extreme bucking bovines.

When the last bull had exited the arena it was the 2011 PBR Troy Dunn Invitational Champion, New Zealander – Fraser Babbington who emerged as the event champion and the largest percentage of the $12,500 posted prize money.

The night started in blistering style when, David Kennedy from Kyogle, NSW exploded from the chutes with an 85 point ride on Suicidal Blonde. Baddington finished the section with an 87 point ride on Baillie Rodeo Company’s AJ, and anticipation built in the fans as they were in for an unbelievable night of pro bull riding.

Throughout the long round a further thirteen riders would record qualified rides. Round highlights included a solid 84.5 point score from recently crowned 2011 PBR Australia Champion Jock Connolly, who will also be representing Australia at the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas later next month.

Going into the championship round a huge fireworks display covered the outback sky to kick off what can only be described as one of the most exciting finishes to an event this year.  Uralla NSW’s, Chris Lowe set the pace with 87 points on the Brandenburg bull, Prison Break followed by Munduberra’s, Sam Larsen who was the next to post a score when he rode the black and white, Speed Dial. 

The matchup of the night was between the two time PBR Australia Champion David Kennedy and the 2009 Champion bull Wild Thing.   Kennedy was on a mission and when the gate cracked it was a fight to the end with Kennedy being the victor and receiving a massive 90 points for his effort. 

It came down to the kiwi, Fraser Babbington on the final bull of the night, only to go one better on Trigger,  when the dust settled the New Zealand had marked 90 points, securing the event win.  There wasn’t a happier man on the grounds and he performed a celebrative haka to the roaring fans. 

The Hughenden Sports and Recreation Club again delivered an amazing event for the region and the PBR look forward to bringing the tour back to Hughenden in 2012.

The excitement machine that is the Professional Bull Riders Touring  Pro Division now heads south to Condobolin in New South Wales on Saturday, October 1st for stop number two on the tour.   With Australia’s rankest beasts, toughest sportsmen and the edge- of-your-seat excitement of a PBR event, the Condo Chutes & Utes Festival’s PBR Touring Pro Division Condobolin is one bull-ride not to be missed. This is the PBR – toughest sport on earth.


Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro Division Hughenden Results:
1. Fraser Babbington    Gisborne, NZ                177 points
2. David Kennedy        Kyogle, NSW                175points
3. Sam Larsen        Mundubbera, Qld            167 points
4. Chris Lowe        Uralla, NSW                 166.5points

2011 Professional Bull Riders Championship Standings:
1. Fraser Babbington    Gisborne, NZ                572 points
2. David Kennedy        Kyogle, NSW                540 points
3. Sam Larsen        Mundubbera, Qld            467 points
4. Chris Lowe        Uralla, NSW                 426.5points
5. Jock Connolly        Charters Towers, Qld        284.5points

For the latest PBR point standings go to www.pbraustralia.com

Condo Chutes & Utes PBR Touring Pro Division Condobolin NSW
Pony Club & Campdraft Grounds
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Bull Riding action from 7pm