Cliffy Pearson retired from rodeo in fine style on Saturday night, taking top points in the open saddle bronc in front of adoring fans at the Hope Vale Bulls and Broncs event.

The win was bittersweet for Pearson, who dedicated it in honour of Roxanne Hart, who passed away recently.

Hope Vale Rodeo Association president Colin Bowen said the event was well attended, with the addition of a big screen adding to the excitement.

“It was a great night, we had visitors from afar as well as our local community and local riders,” he said.

“It was a first for Hope Vale Bulls and Broncs to have a big screen, which kept the crowd entertained, especially watching the replays of exciting match ups with the stock.”

Travis Salam-Koolatah won the novice bull ride, but the stock proved too good for the riders in the open bull, station buckjump and junior bull rides.

The 11-14 years steer ride was won by Josh Snell, while Kaileb Kyle was first in the 8-11 years steer ride, ahead of Tyson Ford.

Bowen said the hard work of the volunteers and sponsors was the key to the event’s success.

“Without support from our sponsors, faithful volunteers and families who ease the work for the committee, this event wouldn’t happen,” he said.

“I would like to acknowledge our main sponsor, Hope Vale Foundation, and the work our secretary Ashleigh Oberleuter has done to pull this together, and the support of Kim Swindley.”

See all the pictures in the issue.

This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 27 September 2022.