No bowls were played on Wednesday to allow time for some maintenance works on the greens to be most effective. Thank you to those who gave up their time to assist with this work on the Tuesday, it seems to have already been taking effect on that problem weed.

On Sunday, thirteen players enjoyed an afternoon of Social bowls. We welcomed John and Margy Burnett who are taking up the sport socially, Lee King who came to test out the sport, Nathan Lee who will be returning to the sport after a break and all of our regular bowlers.

John Burnett, John Anderson and Heather Brown had a close battle with Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe and Nathan Lee with Heather's team winning this contest 22 - 17.  

On the other rink Barry Zillmann accepted the challenge of playing second for both teams. Margy Burnett, Barry Zillmann, Philip Brown and Sandy Daffara drew 18 all with Lee King, Barry Zillmann, Jim Quod and Mike Harrison.

Over this long weekend, some of our members played in events at clubs within our District. Wayne Handley in a team with Cooper Whitestyle, Jason McMullen and Clinton Vassie were the winners of the Mackay Prestige 4s.

We are all very proud of our members Grahame Kinnear, Wayne Handley and Martin Corr who will all be involved with District Sides this week in their player and team manager roles.  

We wish you all the best of luck, good bowls and a wonderful experience.  We are all looking forward to cheering along and experiencing this event along with you all.

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Winners of Mackay Prestige 4s Jason McMullen, Clinton Vassie, Wayne Handley and Cooper Whitestyles. Photo supplied

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Tuesday’s results: Winners for the afternoon: Gwenda Lydom, Sue Shearing, Mark Drummond defeated Stumpy Adams, Roger Mundy, Lyn Danvers. Robyn Stitt, Isobel Wheeler, Laurie Land defeated Nadine Merle, Elphinstone, Greg Colquhoun. Deb Retchless and Geoff Danvers defeated Irene Laird and Pat Tracey. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Sunday’s results: Winners for the afternoon in a very close game were Bill Myers, Laurie Land and Allan Rolfe who defeated Terry Blair, Denise Wallace and Pat Tracey.  Others were Gwenda Lydom, Isobel Wheeler and Kevin Jewell who defeated Deb Retchless, Merle Elphinstone and Greg Colquhoun. Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing and Geoff Danvers defeated Jocelyn Defranciscis, Irene Laird and Kent Moriarty. Robyn Stitt and Penny Warren defeated Linda Scells and Lyn Danvers. The jackpot did not go off.

Congratulations to Denise Wallace Penny Warren and Fely Duncan who gained second place out of 32 teams in the North Mackay Gooseponds Ladies Triples sponsored by Gardian Group and Minestaff last week.

Good luck and good bowling to our Men who are playing in the Burdekin Pennant this weekend.                                                                                                                        

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Sunday Winners: Bill Myers, Allan Rolfe and Laurie Land. Photo supplied

2nd Place Goosepond's Ladies Triples Mackay. L to R - Denise Wallace, Penny Warren and Fely Duncan. Photo supplied

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A relatively quiet round of darts this weekend with only four matches on the cards. We begin with a bit of a surprising result, but an impressive one nonetheless, between Kameron Reason and Joe Wilson.

With Joe 2nd from top and Kam 3rd from bottom, you would be forgiven for thinking that this was a forgone conclusion, but Kameron had other ideas.

Going out to an early 4/1 lead, Kameron was playing very well, scoring and checking out consistently. After a small technical issue and a little delay, Joe came out firing, winning 3 legs on the trot, levelling the match at 4 all.

However, Kameron was not to be denied on the day, claiming only his 2nd win of the season, winning the match 7/4, propelling him up the ladder into 7th place.

With little or no time to enjoy the victory, Kameron was straight back into the thick of it, this time he had the daunting task of taking on league leader Jamie Woods.

Kam’s confidence was high, and rightly so, however in truth, Jamie as he so often does, made light work of it, bringing Kameron straight back down to earth with a 7/1 victory.

Woodsy followed that up with an equally impressive display against Seumas Rose, defeating Seumas without dropping a single leg, 7/0.

That compounded a bad day at the office for Seumas, who suffered another heavy loss in his second game of the day, this time at the hands of Arthur McMinn, by 7 legs to 1.

Seumas clearly struggling for wins this season with only 1 so far to his name, which is well below his par, and he’ll be desperate to start putting that right sooner rather than later.

That win for Arthur puts him in a great spot on the league ladder, now sitting in 3rd thanks to that win, currently 2 points above Dom Friend, but with Dom having 3 matches in hand over Art.

Congrats to Joe Wilson on winning the $260 members draw.

Thanks to our Premier League sponsors, Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach and Master Butchers Whitsundays.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Margaret Tilbrook 39 points, runner up on a countback Elona Lynch 36 points. Men's winner Kaleb Brunker 43 points, runner up Toss Eisemann 38 points.

On Friday, we hosted 82 ladies at the Ladies Bowen open. Congratulations to our own Claire Garrod who had a gross score of 75 to be our 2023 Open champion, 2 shots clear of runner up Sheree Hasson of Nudgee Golf club.  

Other winners included Lynelle Riley A grade Nett winner, Julie Laslett A grade Nett runner up, Meg Garrod - B Grade gross winner, Toni Clauss B Grade gross runner up. Bev Lowcock B grade Nett winner, Janice Bates B grade Nett runner up, Donna Reid C Grade stableford winner 36 points, runner up on a countback Pamela Malone 34 points, Rhonda Martin 3rd with 34 points, Judi Morris 4th with 33 points. Pin shots to Joy Hose, Ann Gardel, Vicky Heath. Accuracy drives to Rhiannon Nott, Lee Rawlinson, Cheryl White.

Saturday’s competition was a 4BBB Aggregate Medley stableford event sponsored by Jeff Day Plumbing. Thank you for your continued support of the Bowen Golf club. Winners were Kaleb Bruner and Hayden Menzies 73, runners up Gary Marks and Andrew Glossop 72.

This weekend's competition is a split round for the May Monthly Medals, sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club. Men play on Saturday and ladies on Sunday.  

Don't forget to check the club's Facebook page for this week’s dinner specials. Takeaways still available. Please call the club if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order.

Joker is worth $2700. Good luck to all our members playing in the Homehill opens on the weekend.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Ladies open Gross winners

Ladies open Nett winners

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A total of 68 players teed up for the Annual Anzac Day Stableford, Jim Cochrane and Jon Miller teamed up to be winners on the day. Matt Camm and Patrick Camm claimed 2nd place.

John Grosskreutz and Allen Roberts teamed up on Thursday to win the 4BBB Stableford with 42 points, followed by Brent Daniels and Jesse Street on 40 points, Gary Scotford and Steve Mitchell were in 3rd place with 39 points.

NTP winners: Adam Maggs, Fraser Simpson, Michael Cragg x 2.

Pauline Redpath took home the MBW voucher on Saturday, with 34 points, followed by Tiina Randmae and Heather Luvis on 30 points. Tiina and Di Chard were the NTP winners.

Kelvin Stephens won the Men’s MBW Division 1 Stableford on 39 points, followed by John Clark on 38 points, Patrick Conen took out 1st place in Division 2 with 38 points followed by Ray Johannesen on 36 points. Mata Brown was in 3rd place overall with 34 points.

NTP winners: Yoko Fitton, Larry Muller, Darren Draper, Matthew Faust.

The Sunday Ladies Competition was won by the ever consistent Tiina Randmae on 36 points, followed by Elise Hodgson on 32 and Penny Wardroper on 28 points. Jason Bourke was just ahead of Scott Vlismas on 39 and 36 respectively, and Mark McDougal was in 3rd position with 33 points.

NTP winners: Don Cameron and Pauline Redpath.

84 players were out and about on the course for the May Day 2 Ball Ambrose, the mixed division was won by Trish McNeill and Noelene Spurway on 63.75nett, followed by Renae Maxwell and Jason Bourke on 65.75.

Ryan Wilkes and Jon Miller were too good for the men’s field, coming in with 63 nett. They were closely followed by Larry Muller and Jackson Gray on 63.25 nett.

NTP winners: Trish McNeill, Jordie de Marmiel, John Bissell, Nick Shepherd, Brett Bauer

Contributed with thanks to the Pro Shop Team.

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Even with several players still away, Whitsunday Golf Club fielded 20 players on Sunday for a single Stableford competition.

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Ladies’ A Grade

Winner: Tiina Randmae with 36 points

Runner-up: Penny Wardroper with 28 points

Ladies’ B Grade

Winner: Elise Hodgson with 32 points

Runner-up: Karen Rix with 26 points

Men’s A Grade:

Winner: Jason Bourke with 39 points

Runner-up: Clay Coles with 32 points

Men’s B Grade:  

Winner: Scott Vlismas with 36 points

Runner-up: Mark McDougal with 33 points

NTPs:  

Ladies: Pauline Redpath on the 2nd (all in), Penny Wardroper on the 9th and Elise Hodgson on the 16th.

Men: Ritchie Atkins on the 9th, Jason Bourke on the 13th (all in) and Leigh Jones on the 16th.

Longest Drives: Pauline Redpath and Karen Rix, Chris Bartlett and Mark McDougal.

NAGAs: Pam Casey and Wilf Herweg, sponsored by Aaron and Tracy Watts.

The next competition will be the May Monthly Medal, very kindly sponsored by Airlie Panel & Paint and Master Butchers Whitsunday.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

L to R: Tiina Randmae (Winner Ladies A), Mark McDougall (r/up Men’s B), Karen Rix (r/up Ladies B), Elise Hodgson (Winner Ladies B). Absent : Jason Bourke, Clay Coles, Scott Vlismas. Photo supplied

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Our weekly Friday stableford 9-hole comp was won by Jay Angel with 21 points, second place on 19 points was Andrew Gomez and third place went to Kendal Nash on 18 c/b. Great effort by all.

Sunday was our Monthly Medal for April. Taking the win was Billy O’Connor with an amazing 50 net, second place went to Marc Belke on 46 net and third on 52 net c/b was Glenn Rees.

Nearest the pin was Tyson Flavel and Dean Barnard. A great end to the month for all.

This Sunday, May 7 will be our 18 holes alternate shot foursome tee off at 10.00am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Club.

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A very happy monthly medal winner Billy O’Connor. Photo supplied

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With six matches played at Whitsunday Sports Park there was plenty of Action.

The divisional Men travelled to Mackay on Friday night to play Lions U17 Squad and Sarina. Although a close tussle, the younger legs of the Mackay Squad proved telling with the end result 4-1 to Lions. In the Div1 game, the Whitsunday boys made Sarina work all the way to the end, losing 2-1 but with many players on their second game, it may have been a different outcome with some fresh legs on the bench.

Saturday at the Sportspark started with a great performance by the U13 Div1 team at their first home game. In hot conditions, their strong defence shut down many attacks from the Country United side earning a hard-won draw 0-0. This was a huge improvement from last round with goal keeper Jai outstanding in goals and Roy Milliken giving 100 per cent as always.

It was a different story for the U15 Premier squad against a rampant City Brothers side. Although holding them to a tight result last week, the Whitsunday side never hit their stride conceding 6 goals to 1 in a game that they will be disappointed in.

The Women continued their winning form in front of a big crowd. Unfortunately, Sarina travelled up to play with only 14 players between two squads. In a competitive Reserves game, Whitsunday proved too strong across the park, scoring a 5-0 win based on solid defence. The Sarina ladies ran out of legs and with all of them playing a second game, were no match for the Whitsunday Premier Women who ran away with the game. A brave effort by the visitors just to face the onslaught.

Our Premier Men’s Squads also returned to form, winning both games against the visiting Rangers Squads. Whitsunday Reserves started their game dominating the ball and looking to play from out the back. Whitsundays made the breakthrough with a fantastic long-range goal by Luke Swift. Rangers equalised minutes later. The second half was a similar story with Whitsundays having the majority of the ball scoring twice midway through the second half to come away with a 3-1 victory. Special mention to Jarrod Clarke whose energy and determination when coming on contributed massively to the team’s performance

The Premier Men got a very important win against Mackay Rangers to jump into the top 4 for the first time this season. It proved to be a topsy turvy game with both teams having positive spells in the game. Sam Reynolds made his first appearance for the season at centre back and put in a man of the match performance, which greatly helped the team going forward and defensively. Goals came from Tommy Torzsok, Harry Hodgen, Sam Blake and Axel Da Silva in a 4-3 win.

Another massive home round next week. Can’t wait!

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

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U13 Div1 - great effort at their first home game. Photo supplied

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The wild weather last week has been and gone, but for the Whitsunday Sailing Club sailors, it was a very reduced fleet who ventured on the water on Wednesday afternoon for the club’s twilight race.  

Only eight boats accepted the challenge to compete in conditions which included violent rainstorms, minimal visibility and wind gusts in excess of 30 knots.

With only four boats on the starting line for the Division 2 start, there was plenty of space, with Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) leading the fleet away, maintaining that lead throughout the race.

At the windward mark, Bobby’s Girl held a comfortable lead over Reignition (Charles Wallis), with Smooth Criminal (Iyas Shaheen) and Wide Load (Shannan Hart) behind. The gybe mark got interesting when the fleet arrived with zero visibility and a strong squall.  

The first boats all chose to forego the gybe in favour of a granny turn, a new experience for many of the crew. Somehow the fleet managed to find the rounding marks and the finishing line, with Bobby’s Girl crossing the finish line almost six minutes ahead of Reignition, with Smooth Criminal a further two minutes back.  

On corrected time this lead was reduced to two minutes over Reignition, with Wide Load a further 20 seconds back.

Division 3 also saw four boats on the starting line, with Rossgo (Greg Hammon) leading the fleet away, despite a halyard failure shortly before the start.

After a slow start, Matchless (Terry Stevens) took the lead on the water, gradually pulling away from Shiraz (John Cable) and Rossgo.

After surviving the first lap, Lighthorse (Di Forster) called time and headed ashore, leaving the others to battle the elements.  

Matchless completed the course in 47 minutes, leading Shiraz home by five minutes with Rossgo a further two minutes back. On corrected time, Shiraz took the honours by 30 seconds over Matchless with Rossgo one minute off the pace.

The monthly prizes went to Bobby’s Girl and Matchless.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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Bobby’s Girl looming out of the rain. Photo supplied

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club would like to commend Holly Perrin, Jacob Dewis, Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson for being selected for the Northern Region Schools 13 – 19 years Water Polo teams.  

Jy had to pull out of the team due to injury, however, Holly and the two Jacobs travelled down to Brisbane last week to compete in the Queensland Schools’ Championships.  

All three said that the games were tough over four days, but thoroughly enjoyed championships.  

The NQ male team achieved 2nd place in the Plate (B) division and the NQ girls team achieved 3rd place in the Plate (B) division. Congratulations, Cannons! Apparently, they all played extremely well and improved so much over the four days.  

Meanwhile, back in Cannonvale, swimmers continue to train for a couple of winter carnivals and for the start of the triathlon and open water season. The Cannonvale Cannons will be hosting a Winter carnival this year in mid-June.

The Cannonvale Cannons are also looking forward to the Annual Presentation Night which will be held on May 13.  

This month, the coaches congratulated Tora Delac, Addie Sanders, and Roxy Groom for their excellent logbooks.  

Congratulations to the following swimmers who have successfully met the criteria to upgrade in training: Evie Doherty, Eloise Chegwidden, Billy Harris, and Maeve Dichieria.  

Miller Eaves and Lucas Zhang will be trialing training in the Bullets’ squad.

The top swim trainers last week were Harris Delac, Coren Farquhar, Bodhi Farquhar, Declan Dichiera, Andie Reynolds, Zach Trefz and Jax Clayworth. Well done, swimmers!

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Jacob Dewis, Holly Perrin and Jacob Bell at the Qld  School Water Polo Championships. Photo supplied

The Northern Region Water Polo Team. Photo supplied

It’s all action at QLD Water Polo Chamos. Photo supplied

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Another Easter Celebration has come and gone but not for our Mackay Pickleballers; we celebrate every time we take the court. Such is the joy of playing this new code of sport for everyone.

How did Pickleball find its way to Mackay, you may well ask. From humble beginnings in 2018, by a small group of good friends, who discovered it being played on a southern holiday, had a go, and were immediately hooked. We thank you, Anne and Monica, for your insight, teachings and bringing this crazy, fun new code of sport to Mackay.

Pickleball is a “racquet and ball” sport with a perfect balance of court dimensions, rules, and equipment to afford all skill levels and age groups enjoyment and success on court.

The game is a combination of tactical shots, patience, and easy to learn strokes, which encourage an inclusive play environment with no need for modifications or adaptations to cater for gender, ability, or age differences. Pickleball is both fun and challenging with a combination of long rallies and a blend of soft and rapid-fire shots; where the best athlete must earn their points not purely by athleticism, power, and speed, but also through the use of positioning, patience, tactics, and touch.

Finally, pickleball provides connections, social, mental, and physical well-being benefits, which are just some of the reasons players are passionately embracing this sport at such a rapid rate.

Indoor Pickleball at PCYC Mackay is welcoming, accessible, and safe; while striving to be equitable, diverse and inclusive. It is guaranteed once you pick up that “Paddle” and hit the “wiffle” ball it will be difficult not to keep going. We have all you need to get started.

You can catch us for a low cost of $7 for two hours every Tuesday; 5:30pm – 7:30pm; Thursday; 12:00pm – 2:00pm; Sunday; 09:00am – 11:00am.

Contributed by Michelle Sheehan

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Mackay Pickleball Easter celebrations. Photos supplied: Michelle Sheehan

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If you love the adrenaline of motor racing and the purr of a well-maintained two stroke engine, Mackay and District Kart Club have the event for you.

The club is preparing for one of their three big events of 2023, with the Sugar City Titles happening on Saturday, May 6 at their track in Palmyra.

“This is one of our biggest events for the year,” said Matt Smith, who currently fills the roles of Junior Vice President and Groundskeeper at the club.

At least 80 competitors from across north Queensland are expected to participate, some as young as six.

Racers will rev it out on the purpose-built concrete track, located at 21 Grants Road, Palmyra, with cane knives on the line as prizes.

Entry for spectators is free, with food, drinks, and plenty of action on offer on the day.

Mackay and District Kart Club is a not-for-profit club looking to spread the word about the exciting world of karting.

“We’re a family orientated club,” said Matt.

“We often get parents helping on race days.

“It’s good camaraderie – if someone breaks something, other people get in and help or lend their spares.”

To find out more about the club, the Sugar City Titles or to nominate, visit mackaykartclub.com or find Mackay and District Kart Club on Facebook.

The event is sponsored by Mr Energy, J&B Pest Control, Mills Painting, Global Mining Support, Red Hot Couriers, Easy Internet Services, TECS Equipment Repairs, Global Mining Support, Global Mining Support, Dicko's Engineering and M&P Services.

WHAT: Mackay and District Kart Club Sugar City Titles

WHEN: Saturday, May 6

WHERE: 21 Grants Road, Palmyra

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Photo credit: Daniel McLean Photography

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Mackay’s own Cyclones swim team have been making waves, at the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast earlier this month.

The Australian Age Championships is one of the biggest events on the Swimming Australia calendar, with thousands of swimmers travelling to the Gold Coast to compete.

This 14-day event is a highlight on the Australian Swimming calendar, attracting some of Australia’s most elite Olympic and Paralympic swimmers, with young athletes who will become the next generation of swimming stars.

Being the highest level of competition domestically for athletes ages 18 years or under, the competition was engaging, each swimmer eager to perform to the best of their ability.

The Mackay swim team has a successful history of attending the Australian Age Championships, and 2023 is no different.

The Mackay swim team had six swimmers qualify for the competition, four of which had never attended a championship before, and were accompanied with their coach, Leigh-Anne Pokarier.

Izabella Wills and Mackenzie Neilsen attended the championships in 2022, with the National Team, and were joined for the 2023 competition with Vaughn Wyatt, Max Vernon, Audrey Bryan and Anneka O’Donnell, being newcomers to the mix.

Izabella competed first in a series of multi-class (MC) events.

Day one of the competition ended poorly, with Izabella’s 100 freestyle being delayed 30-minutes due to bad weather and lightening, however, she broke her previous personal best, with a 6.94 time, and taking 5th place.

Izabella also competed in the MC 400 freestyle, taking 32.05 seconds off her previous personal best and placing 4th overall.

In her final race, Izabella competed in the 50 freestyle, breaking her previous personal best and raking 7th place in Australia.

Second time National attendee, Mackenzie competed in the 14-year girls age group, for 50 butterfly, 100 butterfly and 200 butterfly.

She swam well and placed 7th overall in 200 butterfly and scrapped 3.50 seconds off her personal best time.

Mackenzie also qualified for the finals in 100 butterfly and placed 19th in Australia overall.

Newcomer Audrey qualified for three events, the 50 breaststroke, 50 butterfly and 50 freestyle in the 13-year old girl’s class, and gaining two personal bests.

2023 was also Anneka’s first experience of the championships. She competed in 50 breaststroke and 50 backstroke and is excited to compete in 2024.

The boys, Max and Vaughan, swam well. Max competed in the 50 backstroke, and Vaughan in the 100 breaststroke and 200 breaststroke.

Vaughan was successful in moving into the finals for 200 breaststroke and ranking 26th overall in Australia.

In a fierce competition, these swimmers performed excellently, with most new to the age championship competition and atmosphere.

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The Mackay Cyclones take yet another team of accomplished youth swimmers to the Australian Age Championships. Photo supplied

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Racing around the speedway at over 100km/h, Brett Hehir hopes to leave his mark on Australian wingless sprint car racing this weekend.

A fiend for the speedway, Brett made the transition from go karting to wingless racing around two years ago when a friend introduced it to him, giving him the “speedway bug”.

Two years and countless races later, Brett is competing in his first Australian Wingless Sprint Championship at the Archerfield Speedway this weekend where he hopes to prove himself amongst the best in the country.

“Hopefully we have a good weekend, finish all our races and finish up the front,” Brett said.

“It’s going to be a lot of competition and a big ask to get to the final.”

The Australian Titles got underway yesterday, Thursday, April 27, with a practise day followed by scrutineering and Calcutta on Friday, heats Saturday and Sunday being the main race day.

Brett will be competing against over 70 other drivers from all over the country, but he’s come prepared; just four weeks earlier, Brett was part of the Easter Trail, including Queensland State Titles in Maryborough, where he placed 12th in the state, a race in Archerfield to prepare for the big dance and a race in Toowoomba.

He also won the Wingless class of “Thunder in Canefields” in Mareeba last year, setting the track lap record.

Brett loves the competitive nature of the race.

“It’s pretty close racing and everyone’s pretty much got the same car,” he said.

“It comes down to your car setup and your driving ability, because everyone’s engines are the same,” added his wife, Nicole.

“It’s probably a cheaper way to get into the speedway if you wanted to get into it,” said Brett.

Not one to overprepare, Brett said he’s nervous but excited for the big race this weekend.

“I just rock up and have a go,” he said.

“But there’s a lot of work on the car to get it right.

“If you do 99% of it in the shed at home, when you get to the track you can just relax.”

As the season comes to an end, Brett’s future races will depend on his work roster, but after ticking Australian Titles off the list, his wingless sprint car journey will be far from over.

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Brett Hehir is competing in his first Australian Wingless Sprint Championship in Archerfield this weekend. Photo supplied: Nicole Hehir

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Rodeo Cowboys Ranks With Major US Bull Riding Win

MACKAY native Ky Hamilton has registered the biggest win of his professional bull riding career after picking up $67,750 for claiming the prestigious RodeoHouston Bull Riding title in the United States.

The 23-year-old Hamilton – who grew up in the Sugar capital and attended Mercy College – capped an impressive performance with a 90.5-point ride on his bull Bad Memory in a special ride-off with Josh Frost and Creek Young to seal the top prize.

It was a double celebration for Ky with the Houston triumph rocketing him to the number one ranking in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association – a position he last held during his rookie year in 2020.

The teak-tough Hamilton delivered one of the best rides of his career in front of a boisterous crowd of nearly 75,000 in his second attempt at the major Rodeo in Texas.

“It is a huge event and one of the biggest paying rodeos we get to go to, so to win it is very special,” a proud Hamilton told Mackay and Whitsunday Life.

“I think the bigger the stage the more comfortable I feel. I don’t know why that is. Growing up that’s all I ever wanted to do, was ride a big event and win big events and win world titles.”

The Rodeo Houston win follows Ky’s superb victory this year at the La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros in Tucson, Arizona for a second time.

“Bad Memory was kind of steep and kind of moving forward, trying to get me back,” said Ky of his winning ride.

“Out of nowhere, her just started pushing back.”

Hamilton dominated throughout the rodeo by winning the Go-Round in all six performances he was entered in. It started with a clean sweep of his Super Series before he went onto clinch Semi Final 2 as well as both rounds on Championship Sunday.

Ky finished RodeoHouston 6-for7 with an average score of 87.3 points inside NRG Stadium.

The top 15 money earners qualify for the National Finals Rodeo with Hamilton finishing fourth, 8th and fourth in the past three finals held in Las Vegas.

A courageous Ky has certainly come a long way since moving to the United States on a Bull Riding scholarship back in 2018 and turning professional two years later, finishing fourth in the Bull Riding world standings in 2022.

This season Hamilton has amassed $101,842 in prizemoney and leads Josh Frost, who finished runner up in Houston, by about $12,000.

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Top ranked professional bull rider Ky Hamilton demonstrates his winning ride on Bad Memory scoring 90.5 at the RodeoHouston

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