Gallery: Top End Bull Spectacular hosted by Darwin Waterfront
Territorians were treated to plenty of top-notch rodeo action with an ocean backdrop when the Top End Bull Spectacular took over the Darwin Waterfront. Check out all the photos.
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Territorians were treated to plenty of rodeo action with an ocean backdrop when the Top End Bull Spectacular took over the Darwin Waterfront.
The much anticipated event featured some of the best bull riders from across the country and an atmosphere more often found in the rural area than with the sunset dipping over the ocean.
But crowds made their way in still in support of the show many for the night event as bull riders provided the action.
Thomas Holliday has been to many rodeos across the country but this was his chance to bring his partner Jessica Bunyard and son Max Holliday to their first.
“It’s unreal, it’s the first rodeo I’ve been to that’s had the sea right there so it’s good,” he said.
“I’ve been to a few rodeos across the country, the atmosphere is always great and the people that come along too, they’re always up for a chat.
“It’s the first time bringing the missus and son along to one of these, but they’re family friendly events and good to get along to.”
Meanwhile, Peter Nibbs’ Shut The Gate brand was featured at his third rodeo of the year after opening shop at the Darwin River Rodeo.
Nibbs’s brand has taken off this year inspired by a saying he and his mates would say as kids and now they’ve become a rodeo mainstay even sponsoring Grace and Darcy McDonald in their youth rodeo journey.
“People were surprised they were holding it in the city, but it’s great and to have the sunset alongside is pretty sick,” Mr Nibbs said.
“We’ve got a great spot as a vendor, everyone came to have a look and the brand has been building since doing the Darwin River Rodeos.
“Selling country clothing is something I’ve been thinking about doing for the past few years, it’s stuff people can wear in town or out bush like fishing shirts or rugby shorts.
“The saying comes from what we would say growing up like riding bikes or playing rugby, when something good happens we would say ‘shut the gate, brus’ that’s where it comes from.”
ALL THE PHOTOS
PREVIEW
Some of Australia’s best bull riders will battle it out for outback glory this Friday, with thousands expected to flock to the Darwin Waterfront for the much anticipated Top End Bull Spectacular.
Gates open for the public at 5pm, with the main rodeo event starting at 6.30pm.
Those arriving before the main event will be treated to some of the Waterfront’s finest market food stalls as well as the sounds of the Melanie Gray Trio.
Then from 6.30pm, bull riders from across the Northern Territory will battle for a chance at some hefty prize money, including Open Bull: $20,000; Open Bull Chute Out: $2000; Novice Bull: $5000; Junior Bull: $1000; and Mini Bull (11-14 yrs): $500.
But the party doesn’t stop there, with Country All Stars (9.00pm – 10.30pm) and Luke Geiger (10.30pm – 12.00am) playing well into the night.
With nothing but sellout crowds all year, Rodeo Promotions NT director Russell Simpson said he hoped for the Top End Bull Spectacular to be no different.
“You never know of course, but there’s a lot of talk around town, our sponsors are excited, and it’s a great location,” he said.
A rider to look out for, Mr Simpson said, was young gun Katherine cowboy Toby Daley.
“I think he’s won maybe five or six events already,” he said.
“He rode our best bull the other day, and he’s in top form; I think he could win it, he’s riding really well.
“But besides him we’ve got some pretty handy riders up here, which makes it even better.”
Mr Simpson noted “months and months” of work had gone into preparing for the massive event, and he hoped to see all the hard work shine through.
“There’s a lot of people involved, right through to the sponsors making sure everything works,” he said.
“We’ve run three rodeos so far this year, and we plan to run seven or eight, so it can be difficult because each show has its own niche and you’ve got to give it 110 per cent effort for each event.”
Mr Simpson said the night would be great fun and invited people to attend the all-ages event.
“Come and enjoy yourself, and have fun because that’s what it’s all about,” he said.
Tickets can be purchased from Ticketebo here: ticketebo.com.au/rodeo-promotions-nt-ltd/top-end-bull-spectacular
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Originally published as Gallery: Top End Bull Spectacular hosted by Darwin Waterfront
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