By Liam Emerton
The best junior bull riders from across Australia will descend on our town for their national championship.
The Australian Professional Rodeo Association Junior National Finals takes over Emerald next weekend.
Rockhampton’s Jackson Dixson, Ruby Bell and Yeppoon’s Jett Leahy will all take part in the national championship hoping to bring home the top prize for their region.
And amongst the stars that will shine under the bright lights will be the Central Highlands local boy Jayden Kenny.
With a chance of winning a national title there will be plenty of hope that Jayden, the son of legendary Australian champion and Emerald Rodeo Association president Shane Kenny, can follow in his family’s footsteps.
CQ Today caught up with Shane this week and asked him how exciting it is to have the best juniors in rodeo showcase their talents in Emerald.
“Once again it will be a pretty cracker event,” he said.
“We’ve watched these kids all year and they’re all progressing very well.
“You say it every year but this competition is going to be next level.
“They’re coming from South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory, there’s a big contingent over the country-side.
“It’s all about the kids and about seeing who becomes national champion.”
For the two-day carnival, Shane is most excited about one event in particular which he said could steal the show.
“We’ve got the barrel racing and I think it will be the most exciting event,” he said.
“There’s 10 kids there and there’s not much in it.
“I wouldn’t like to be putting the odds on it because any one of them can win it.
“We have two girls out of Central Queensland that are one and two at the moment… and I guess it all comes down to how they perform across the two days.”
Shane also thanked the Emerald and Central Highlands community for getting behind the major event.