What’s Happening?
Some of Australia’s biggest saddle bronc riders will challenge three American stars at the Cinch International Australian Bronc Match in Warwick this Saturday, 24 October.
The competition forms part of the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft. It brings together national champions, emerging talent and Australian riders returning from the United States.
Among the American challengers are Shorty Garrett of South Dakota, Gus Gaillard of Texas and Zac Dallas of New Mexico. All three will be chasing another victory for the United States.
Gill Bros Rodeo and A Rorey Lemmel Bucker will present the event, with competitors battling for a major prize pool and championship title.
Why It Matters
Australia has yet to claim an international Bronc Match title since the competition began in 2024. Cash Wilson of South Dakota won the inaugural event at Scone. Fellow American Brody Wells then secured the 2025 championship in Warwick.
This year, however, Australia has assembled a particularly strong field. It includes four of the top five riders from the final 2026 Australian Professional Rodeo Association saddle bronc standings.
Australian Bronc Match Inc president Jake Finlay said the line-up reflected the organisers’ original vision.
“This is the field we dreamed about when we first started talking about bringing an international Bronc Match home to Australia,” Finlay said.
With national champions, experienced international competitors and promising young riders competing, Finlay believes every performance will count.
“There isn’t an easy section anywhere in this field. Every rider has earned his invitation, every horse has earned its place in the draw and every single trip out of those chutes is going to matter.”
Local Impact
Regional Queensland will have a strong presence at the event. Competitors from Central Queensland and surrounding communities will travel to Warwick for the international showdown.
Among them is Tom Webster of Injune, a Bronc Match co-founder who has competed in the United States. He joins fellow Queensland riders Darcy Wockner of Julia Creek, Clayton Braden of Collinsville and Cade Ferguson of Cloncurry.
Ferguson finished fourth in the national saddle bronc standings and holds the current junior bull-riding world championship. Meanwhile, Braden is the Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Champion and finished seventh in the Australian standings.
Their participation will put regional Queensland talent alongside established national champions and leading American competitors.
By The Numbers
- More than $50,000: Total prize money available at the international championship.
- $20,000: The cash prize for the first-place finisher.
- 89.5 points: Brody Wells’ winning score at Warwick in 2025.
Zoom In
Victoria’s Bailey O’Dell leads the Australian invitation field after finishing the regular season at No. 1. He also became the first rider to win consecutive Xtreme Broncs Australia titles.
Several established competitors will join him, including Ben Rasmussen of Nevertire and Ken Coleman of Bells Bridge. Former Australian champion Greg “Dyso” Hamilton will also compete.
Other Australian invitees include Mick Knight, Tom Knight, Lane Edwards and six-time NRA Saddle Bronc Champion Jack Capewell.
The field also features Australian riders returning from the American rodeo circuit. Among them is Regan Lyons of Meandarra, who spent the 2026 season competing in the United States. During that time, he also rode for Western Texas College.
Once the event begins, competitors will ride in separate sections. The highest-scoring cowboys will then advance to the championship short round.
Zoom Out
Beyond the prize money, Saturday’s competition offers Australian riders another chance to end America’s dominance of the event.
American competitors have claimed the championship buckle, major prize money and custom saddle in both previous editions. Finlay said the Australian contingent wants to change that result.
“Our Australian riders know the championship buckle, the major prize money and the saddle have gone back to America in both previous years. There is plenty of respect between these cowboys, but once the gate opens, Australia wants that buckle back.”
The championship also offers a custom Australian fender saddle handcrafted by Beaudesert saddlemaker Troy Welsh.
Meanwhile, American professional rodeo announcer Garrett Yerigan has travelled to Warwick to call the international competition.
What To Look For Next?
The Cinch International Australian Bronc Match takes place at Warwick Showgrounds, Kingsford Street, Warwick, on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
Organisers expect competition to begin at approximately 6pm, although they have yet to confirm the final starting time. They will also announce one remaining Australian reserve rider before the event.
Tickets are available through the official event booking link.
