Much will be on the line for Tamworth rider Lachie Slade when the Professional Bull Rider’s Iron Cowboy tour lights up AELEC Arena on Saturday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 17th ranked Slade is fractionally behind Queensland’s Michael Smith in the rookie of the year race ahead of the penultimate event, in Tamworth, while only the top 18 riders will qualify for the grand finals in Townsville later this month.
“Of course, it would be great to top off an awesome debut year with a rookie of the year title,” Slade said. “It’s something I’d love to achieve. But I’m more focused on giving my best on each and every ride – and with that mindset, I think the results will come.”
READ ALSO:
He added: “The support we receive from Tamworth fans is always phenomenal. And we’re pumped to turn in some top performances for local fans on Saturday night, and to hopefully book our place at the PBR grand finals in Townsville the week after.”
Slade will be joined at AELEC by fellow Tamworth bull rider Ethan Watts and Bradie Gray, the Hallsville athlete who sustained near-fatal injuries in an horrific rodeo accident in the US in 2017. This will be his comeback event.
PBR said some of the world’s best bull riders would compete at Tamworth.
PBR Australia general manager Glen Young said: “Tamworth is home to many great PBR riders, so it’s awesome to be able to showcase local talent in front of hometown fans … There will be lots for Tamworth bull riding fans to cheer for [on Saturday], that’s for sure.”
