A total of 23 riders will contest the three bull riding divisions, including Deniliquin’s own ‘Action’ Jackson Jeffries, who will compete in both the open and second divisions.
Jeffries gained recent fame after his standout performance at the Deni Ute Muster, and has drawn Bundle Of Fun in the open bull ride on Saturday.
It will be a big weekend for Jefferies, who will also ride at Wangaratta on Good Friday and follow up his Deni showing at Finley on Easter Sunday.
In an equally compelling story, rising star Riley Bradshaw - grandson of former police officer, local identity and long-serving rodeo committee member Steve Bradshaw - will enter the open saddle bronc event.
Over the past 12 months, Riley has become a leading competitor and is tipped as a favourite for the title, riding Miss Cactus.
The Bradshaw family’s connection to the rodeo runs deep, with Steve credited for securing the site of the current arena.
The open barrel race will see former junior rider Ella Birt make her debut in the senior ranks, while Deniliquin’s own Dee Crawford will line up in the breakaway roping.
Across the program, more than $35,000 in prize money will be on offer across 18 events, along with four highly coveted custom trophy buckles.
Junior competitors will vie for the All Around Champion Junior Cowgirl and Cowboy titles, each requiring entrants to compete in at least two events.
Junior disciplines include bull riding, breakaway roping and barrel racing, with strong entries expected.
In the open ranks, the top buckle is the Russell Offord Memorial Champion All Around Cowboy - named in honour of the much-loved past president.
Another major award is the Frank Stockham Memorial Buckle for the Rookie Saddle Bronc Champion, commemorating the Queensland-born rider who made Deniliquin his home after retirement.
To attract Australia’s best bronc riders, the committee has doubled the prize money for the Lionel Sweeney Memorial Open Saddle Bronc, honouring the legendary Jerilderie pickup rider of the 1940s and ’50s.
Gates to the Deniliquin Rodeo arena on Racecourse Rd open at 3pm with live music from Zara Lindeman, before the arena bursts into action at 4.30pm with a full junior rodeo program - a first for the event.
As evening settles, spectators can expect a fast-paced line-up of second division and open events featuring APR championship points, elite stock from Gary McPhee, and entertainment for the whole family.
A Flat Chat Dachshund Race, trade stalls, accessible facilities and affordable tickets help make this a true community celebration.
If you plan to take advantage of the town bus, you’ll find a timetable on page 27 of today’s edition.
