Queensland Bull Rider Ben Bode reclaims Australia’s #1 bull riding spot as the competition tightens and Origin Fever bucks in
Queensland is now home to the #1 bull rider the world, in Clermont’s Brady Fielder and as of 10 days ago, after the PBR Meatstock Touring Pro in Bendigo, the #1 bull rider Australia in Ben Bode, from Calliope (images of Ben riding available on request).
“With the PBR Australia prized Grand Final buckles in sight, and the famed PBR Monster Energy STATE OF ORIGIN Series just a heartbeat away, we are well and truly out of the chutes for 2025, seeing best of the best in Australian bull riding go head to head, and emerging riders rise up,” said PBR Australia General Manager Glen Young. “On May 3 in Newcastle for the PBR Monster Energy STATE OF ORIGIN I, we will see these riders channel their maroon and blue heritages, in what is shaping up to be a bull riding series for the ages,” he said.
“The Australian PBR competition is acclaimed as the source of some of the best in the world, and we can’t wait to see the action roll out this year,” said Young. “We have our champions and fan favourites back in the arena, new and rising stars taking their turn in the spotlight, and our juniors starting their journey. There’s an exciting year ahead for Professional Bull Riding in Australia as the sport grows and grows,” said Glen.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE BATTLE OF BENDIGO?
Meatstock Bendigo saw a dramatic shake-up with Queenslanders taking all three placings. No stranger to the standings, Calliope’s Ben Bode reclaimed the number one spot in the country, catapulting from fifth place back to No.1, with just 28.5 points now separating him from Bungendore’s Jack Brodrick.
Cloncurry-born bull rider Kurt Shephard has cracked the top five, landing in third. The Ariat Cowboy has returned with a bang after 12 months on the sidelines due to injury, coming back more determined than ever. Tied with Bode after Round 1, his determination edged him ahead of Australia’s current No.1 cowboy, securing him the Bendigo buckle—now sitting just 61 points shy of the top spot. Brazilian bull riding ace, Matheus Lima Rodrigues, made his presence known in the Australian standings following his debut and winning rides in Beaudesert. As for No.5, consistency has been key. Moura rider Bryn Francis has kept a steady pace in the standings, slipping just one place since our last event.
Bendigo results:
- WIN - Kurt Shephard (QLD) : his highest-marked ride came in Round 1 aboard Never Land for 86 points, followed by an 83.50-point ride on Bobby in Round 3, giving him an aggregate score of 169.50.
- SECOND PLACE - Ben Bode (QLD): also covered 2/3 bulls, tying with Shephard for 86 points in Round 1 on Aus Can Evil Bambi Back. However, he fell just short of the win by two points after an 81.50-point ride on Wild Jacket, finishing with an aggregate score of 167.50.
- THIRD PLACE - Macaulie Leather (QLD): with 2/3 qualified rides-scoring on Misfit in Round 1 and Something Red in Round 2.
- It was a three-way tie for Best Bull of the Event, with Sky High (Morgys Cattle Company), Murphy (Diamond S & A/Bennet Cattle Co), and Midnight Special (Diamond S Bucking Bulls - Brian Scott) each posting a score of 43 points.
WHAT’S NEXT: where and when to see Australia’s best bull riders
- PBR Australia will visit Lardner Park in Victoria, Rockhampton, Armidale, Sydney, Bundaberg, Bloomsbury, Cairns, Caboolture, Hawkesbury, Nowra, Mackay, Kilkivan, Tamworth and then the Grand Finals end the season in Townsville over October 31 and November 1.
- The PBR Monster Energy STATE OF ORIGIN Series will take place on May 3 in Newscastle (I), then June 7 in Brisbane (II) and then July 5 in Sydney.
- All event detail can be found here: Schedule — The Professional Bull Riders
- A full event list can be provided on request.
ABOUT PBR AUSTRALIA
Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is one of the fastest-growing sports properties in the world, with tours across the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. A subsidiary of Endeavor, a global leader in sports, media, and entertainment, PBR has transformed bull riding into a premier international sport since its founding in 1992. The organisation features over 1,000 riders globally and hosts more than 200 events annually worldwide. In Australia, Professional Bull Riders Australia (PBRA) stages more than 20 events each year, attracting over 75,000 fans. PBRA showcases key events and tours such as the Monster Energy Tour, PBR Origin Series, and PBR Grand Finals, while also partnering with regional event organisers through the PBR Touring Pro Division. The organisation supports emerging talent through its Can-Am Junior Academy and serves as an international pathway to the United States circuit for both Junior and Open competition athletes. For more information, visit www.pbraustralia.com.au.
Contact details:
For media information, contact Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email kath@kathrose.com
