Organiser Matt Darmody said the event went off without a hitch and ran very smoothly with entertainment from Walter Whip and bucking stock provided by L & M Besant and Rick Wilson.

“The riders were all in top form in the McPhersons Parts and Services Open Bull Riding with six out of the 10 bulls on the night being rode,” he said

“Congratulations to all the riders on a great effort.”

The eventual winner was Kirk Stanbridge followed by Josh Birks in second place with 84 points, Jack Raman third on a 78 point ride, Richard Trenor fourth with 77 points, and Zac Mahar warmed up the $3,000 feature bull for 4.1 seconds earning himself $410.

The Langlands Hanlon Open Bareback Ride was won by the Cobar kid, Mitch Tidyman for the second year running with 78 points, Harley Makin took out second with 76 points and Shannon Davey slotted into third place with 73 point score.

The Uni-Fence saddle bronc riding was won by Jason Collins from Wagga Wagga on 78 points, he was the only score on the night.

The Derrick Hoe Excavations and Landscaping Novice bull ride was won by Harry Lawton with 74 points and Jesse Bargallie slotted into second with a 71 point ride

The Magills Concrete Pumping Novice Saddle Bronc Riding had no scores on the night but made for some great watching from young riders trying to make a name for themselves.

The See Solar Ladies Barrel Race was won in an extremely fast time of 13.30 seconds By Laura Papatheofanous, Emma Thompson slotted into second place with 13.49 and Michelle Potter rounded off the fastest three women in town with a 13.66. 

Jake Simpson’s attempt on the motorbike to beat the heat really wasn’t to plan but made for some funny times when he came off his bike in front of the D’Aquinos VIP Area and one of the sponsors wives had to tell him how to restart his motorbike.

The Parkes Diagnostic Imaging Junior Steer Ride had some of the best young steers seen this season by far which meant the youngsters had to really cowboy up. 

The eventual winner was Darcy Weberwith 74 points, follow by Jake Swan, Toby Deudney and Kade Attenborough all on 72 points.  

The D’Aquino Junior Barrel Race had some of the best young cowgirls on offer and it sure made for good watching when the Wilson kids from Picton and the Besant kids from Cowra rolled into town to hit it out, all chasing the title of Southern Zone Jr Barrel Racing Champion. 

Connie Besant with 14.12 would have had the win but knocked a drum for a plus 5 second penalty and left the podium open for Cora Wilson to take a training run into first place with 14.78 and steal the win.

Congratulations to Phoebe Usher and Grace MacGregor for their efforts in The Cambridge Hotel invitational local barrel race, look forward to seeing you in the big show barrel racing next year.   

Matt said the organisers send a huge thanks to Steve Magill, Dave Thompson, Geoff Rice and Parkes Shire Council for going above and beyond their sponsorship to make the event happen. 

“And Brett Hutchings for keeping the dust down and watering the surface and all the committee volunteers on the day and days leading up to the event and all the minor sponsors who make the event possible,” he said.

“The event is booked in again for March 2, 2019, we look forward to seeing you all there again.”