The event marked the start of the Thunderbolts Festival with a bang with an arena set up at the rear of the Top Pub.

A brief shower of rain didn’t put anyone off as the spectators poured in, and at 4pm it was standing room only.

A total of 41 riders from across the state competed in bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding.

Former Uralla local Chris Low was the overall winner and took out the bull ride with a total of 81 points, after a good ride on ‘Troy’.

Second with 76 points was Ethan Watts riding ‘Whose Ya Daddy’ and in third place Clint Glass on ‘Super Sonic’ with 73.

There were more spills than thrills in the novice bull ride with only one rider – Corey Lock – staying on the bull for the full eight seconds to score 72 points.

To keep the crowd entertained, upcoming country singer Katie Brooke sang the national anthem and performed in the breaks. 

On the horses there were only three competitors in the bareback competition and the best was Dee Heinemann riding ‘Tuff Lies’ for a score of 74. In second place was Wade Clifford on board ‘Paris’ (69) and third was Jack Boyd riding ‘Phantom’ (68). The saddle bronc horses gave riders a run for their money, with Rhys Morrissey on ‘Ridetuff Ring of Roses’ scoring 74 to win the event, Denny Swadling was second 73 and Robert Bandy riding ‘K9’ earning 70 points for third place.

The Rough Stock Rodeo is well supported by a large contingent of local people and has become an event not to be missed.

All money raised goes to Friends of McMaughs, the fund raising committee of Uralla’s McMaugh Gardens Aged Care Facility.

The main Thunderbolts Festival event will be on this Saturday with the Rampt Mini FMX freestyle motor cross bike performance.

This is their first time performing in the New England and Rampt are excited to be part of the festival.