mmg.com.au

The 68th Kyabram Rodeo takes place this Friday evening at the Kyabram Showgrounds and one event record has already been broken.

The previous highest number of individual entries was 327, set in 2011, but this year 330 have been received.

A big crowd is expected for the popular annual event which draws the top cowboys and cowgirls from all over Australia to contest events including the bullride, barrel race, saddle bronc, rope and tie, bareback, breakaway roping, team roping and steer wrestling.

The local steer ride is once again likely to provide some of the biggest cheers of the night as local amateur riders step up for the ride of their lives, for as long as they can hang on.

Entries for the local steer ride can be made on the day but will be limited to 12 competitors.

One former Kyabram Rodeo local steer ride champion is now finding success at the top level of rodeo competition.

Tongala-based cowboy Cody Tyrrell is aiming to follow in the footsteps of some of the biggest names in Australian rodeo by winning the Rookie of the Year award.

The 19-year-old, who competes in the bull ride and bareback events, is having a great first full year of Australian Professional Rodeo Association competition and currently leads the overall Rookie of the Year standings.

He comes into this year’s Kyabram Rodeo in good form after taking third place in the bareback event at last weekend’s Cranbourne Rodeo.

‘‘The Kyabram Rodeo is a really good event and there’s always a good crowd here. Being in my local area I’ll have plenty of support from friends,’’ he said.

Top stockman Garry McPhee will once again be providing stock for the event and the list of bulls and bareback horses in the draw will ensure plenty of tough rides for the cowboys.

Tyrrell has been drawn to ride Stumpy in the bull ride, where other top bulls include Sandblaster, Red Trix and Hammertone.

The young Tongala cowboy will be on Dark Shadows in the bareback with other rides on display including Dog Bite and Cheyene Brave.

As well as the action in the main arena there will also be additional family entertainment with all usual sideshow alley stalls and fairground rides, plus live music from local band HomeBrew.

With the high number of entries the afternoon slack events will begin at 2pm while the main evening competitions will get underway at 7pm.

Security staff and police will be on duty and all those attending are reminded the Kyabram Rodeo is a strictly no BYO alcohol event.

A big crowd is expected and with seating limited organisers recommend those attending to bring their own fold-up seating. Tickets cost $45 for families, $20 adults, $15 aged pensioners, $10 students and $5 for primary students.

For more information on the 68th Kyabram Rodeo contact Kyabram AH and P Society secretary Janelle McDonald on 0428992450.