Wilkinson Claims Iron Cowboy Title in Australia

TOWNSVILLE, Australia – Australia’s first PBR Iron Cowboy brought a crowd from across Australia and overseas to tropical Townsville, North Queensland, for two jam-packed nights of bull riding action. The Iron Cowboy is a signature event of the PBR, with international editions in Sao Paulo, Brazil; AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and now the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.

Saturday was a spectacular night featuring a packed house of enthusiastic PBR fans and one of the most competitive events in the history of PBR Australia.

Twelve riders moved on into Saturday night’s Round 2 to do battle against some of the world’s finest riders and bovine athletes for the right to take home the Montana Silversmiths Iron Cowboy buckle.

The toughest match of the night was between New Zealand’s Fraser Babbington and Montana’s Nevada Newman.

Babbington struck first, riding Dunne’s Playtime for 88 points. Newman answered with and 86.75-point trip aboard Rollin Deep, which wasn’t enough to push him past Babbington.

Newman’s score was the highest in his bracket, though, thus securing him a spot in the second-chance bracket against Brazil’s Cristiano Cunha.

After an intense two nights of competition it all came down to Jackson Felton and Troy Wilkinson. Felton, who replaced Roy Dunn and Matt Triplett who both suffered injuries, faced his fifth and final bull, Jackie Howe, who tossed him in 2.03 seconds.

Triplett confirmed to PBR.com that his injury was nothing serious and he is OK.

The buck off opened the door for Wilkinson, who had to either ride Blossom or last longer than Felton’s 2.03 seconds. Blossom got the best of Wilkinson, but he beat out Felton’s time, securing the title of Australia’s Iron Cowboy.

Newman won the aggregate score title and was the only rider to go 2-for-2 Saturday night.

Fans in attendance were also treated with live music from Ned LeDoux, son of legendary singer/songwriter and rodeo legend Chris LeDoux.

The next stop on the PBR Cup Series tour is Newcastle, New South Wales, for the Brendon Clark Invitational – tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au.