Riding high for extra points

Poddy rider Noah Flohr is one of the top cowboys in this year’s Poddy Ride and will be hoping to add to his points tally.

Allan Reinikka

Three days of frantic action began last night with the first day of the CRCA Finals at the Heritage Village.

While these cowboys and cowgirls go hard every week, there is a special edge when it comes to the finals with 160 points up for grabs with a win in each event.

Not that these competitors will be taking part in just one round, as all the seniors have three rounds of competition for a total of 480 points plus an extra 160 points for the weekend average.

In some divisions it is very tight, while in others a challenger might need three wins and hope the ladder leader has a disaster which keeps them scoreless.

The Ladies Barrel Race is one event where the 2011 buckle winner might not be known until the final round is completed.

Realistically the top three will be the ones to beat with Joelene Gleeson in the box-seat, but Leslie Moore and Leanne Caban are close enough to catch her.

Alton Downs cowgirl Alleisha Priddle is still in the hunt but would need three good rides and for the top three to have bad luck if she is going to get home.

Justin Paton looks a better bet to take out the Open Bull ride as the 420-point lead he has over Russel Cox is probably too large to peg back.

Also close this year is the race for the All-Round cowboy with Brett Cross closing in on Shane Iker.

At this stage of the competition it is down to the best-of-the best with the top 12 from each division competing.

Stock contractor Brian Duggan said it will also be close when it comes to naming the Bucking Bull of the Year.

Duggan said there were a few handy beasts in contention including his current top performer Western Star and his former bull, now owned by Brian King, Red Dirt Road.

For the juniors, the weekend begins tomorrow.

"We call it a Family Day," Duggan said.

The three standard junior events, junior barrel, junior breakaway and junior bull are over three rounds but all the other events, in which youngsters participate, are held over a single round tomorrow.

The show at the Heritage Village starts at 7pm today and at 11am tomorrow.