Tasmania's first indoor professional bull ride event raises $60k for children's ward

Tamworth cowboy Daniel Rogan has followed up his first Mount Isa Mines Rodeo buckle last month with a win at Tasmania’s first indoor professional bull ride at the Silverdome, Launceston, on October 3.

On the first night of the two-night event, Daniel rode the previously unrideable Streetwise, a four-year old bull recently purchased by Diamond A Cattle for $15,000, finishing the round with 89.5 points.

The 28-year-old, who works as a contract fencer, was among the 10 interstate riders and one New Zealander who were thrilled with the Tasmanian crowd and venue and gave it their all on some challenging bulls.

Reigning Tasmanian bull ride champion rider, Josh Clark from Gawler, finished second and in another local success story, Lane Viney of Penguin took out the junior bull ride.

The bulls got one back on the Saturday night, with not a single rider managing 8 seconds and the $15,000 prizemoney going unclaimed.

However, organiser Kyle Maskiell said a decision was made to give half to the charity of choice, the Launceston General Hospital Children’s Ward and the other half to the interstate riders to help cover their travel expenses.

All up the Children’s Ward took home more than $60,000 from the Island Stampede Ride for a Cause bull ride with the 3300 seats sold out on the Saturday night and all but 100 seats sold on the Friday night.

For Kyle, who came out of retirement to represent Tasmania in the event, sticking on the bulls he drew proved difficult – being dropped in the sawdust was tempered by the knowledge that he and Westbury potato grower and feed stock business owner Chris Dornauf had put on a show to be remembered.

“We did this to raise money for charity and give Tasmania a taste of what is proving so popular on the mainland and overseas – it’s a way to support the sport we love and bring the best in the business to our doorstep,” Kyle said.

“The calibre of bulls was extremely good, with the only question mark being could they handle the trip to Tassie and return and it not take a toll.

“We’ve shown you can bring bucking stock over and it not only works, but they were in excellent form.”

A calcutta was held on the Saturday night with a random rider from the crowd taking home $7500 for sticking on a bull the longest.

Chris said they hope to return with an even bigger and better show next year and were thrilled to be able to raise much-needed funds for the Children’s Ward auxiliary.

“Feedback from the riders was fantastic and they’re keen to add Tasmania to their circuit. They were blown away with the reception they received.”