Cowboys riding for a cause

Island Stampede cowboys have called into the Launceston General Hospital Children’s Ward ahead of tonight and tomorrow night’s indoor professional bullride at the Silverdome and brightened the day for some little patients, staff and volunteers.

Island Stampede – Riding for a Cause, is the realisation of a long-held dream for former bull rider and the owner of Westbury stock feed business Barunah, Chris Dornauf, and Port Sorell horse breaker Kyle Maskiell.

The Children’s Ward Auxiliary will receive a healthy donation from the event’s proceeds and Chris said that taking the time to visit the Children’s Ward was great inspiration for the riders to stick on some of the country’s most notorious bulls, including CTC Knuckledusters Mini Delux, who is top contender for Australian Bucking Bull of the Year.

Alex White of Ross is also fired up to protect the riders as the bull fighter, throwing his body between man and beast when the denim hits the dirt. 

He hasn’t been active at rodeos for the past couple of years but said he was happy to come out of retirement to support the Island Stampede.

“There's no real plan – I just do whatever it takes t balls and make sure everyone is safe he said.

Riders who have signed up for the event, which will carry a $15,000 prize pool each night, include Clint Glass from Tamworth, NSW, Sam Woodhall from Heywood, Victoria, Danny Rogan from Upper Horton, NSW and even a Kiwi is making the trip over with two-time Profession Bull Riding (PBR) title winner Frazer Babbington from New Zealand adding some trans-Atlantic rivalry.

Reigning Tasmanian bull ride champion Josh Clark from Penguin and Kyle will represent Tasmania.

While Saturday night has sold out tickets are still available for tonight.