Te Mania Angus National Finals Rodeo being held Saturday

A big day for the sport of Rodeo this Saturday 9th March with the Te Mania Angus National Finals Rodeo being hosted by the Canterbury Rodeo Club at the Mandeville Sports Grounds near Rangiora. The rodeo competition starts at 11am.

This rodeo is the culmination of the rodeo season which runs from October to March and this season there were 28 rodeos. Rodeos occur most weekends but can also occur one day after another, with contestants travelling extensively throughout NZ competing at rodeos from Invercargill in the south to Kaitaia in the north.

Only the top eight in each of the eight rodeo events qualify to compete at the finals, where there are two go-rounds to decide the champion in each event - as well as the overall all-round champion with the highest standing in all events. Roping specialist Patrick McCarthy from Hawea is in a tight battle with Corey Church from Rotorua to win the title of best all-round cowboy. This title will be decided by the success they have on the day so top class rodeo competition is guaranteed.

The rodeo animals competing at this rodeo are also the best available from around the South Island. And like the cowboys and cowgirls, the top animal in each event will be acknowledged and awarded a trophy.

“It’s been a good rodeo season with great competition at all levels”, said Lyal Cocks, President of the NZ Rodeo Cowboys Association. “Although we only see the top contestants at the Finals, there are a large number of future champions competing at the junior and 2nd Division level”, Lyal said.

On completion of the rodeo there will be an awards function where all the champions will be recognised and presented with their trophies. Results will be promulgated on Saturday evening.

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