What’s Happening?
Australia’s leading saddle bronc riders will take on three American stars at the Cinch International Australian Bronc Match in Warwick this Saturday, 24 October.
The competition forms part of the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft, bringing together national champions, emerging talent and Australian riders returning from the United States.
Among the American challengers are Shorty Garrett of South Dakota, Gus Gaillard of Texas and Zac Dallas of New Mexico. They will face an Australian field determined to end America’s winning streak in the competition.
Organisers have assembled a strong line-up, with more than $50,000 in prize money at stake.
Why It Matters
American riders have won both previous editions of the international Bronc Match. Cash Wilson of South Dakota claimed the inaugural title at Scone in 2024, followed by Brody Wells of Wyoming in Warwick last year.
This time, Australia’s invitation field includes four of the top five riders from the final 2026 Australian Professional Rodeo Association saddle bronc standings.
Australian Bronc Match Inc president Jake Finlay said the competition had attracted the calibre of riders organisers wanted from the beginning.
“This is the field we dreamed about when we first started talking about bringing an international Bronc Match home to Australia,” Finlay said.
With several national champions and experienced international competitors taking part, the Australians will attempt to break the American winning streak and claim the championship on home soil.
Local Impact
North Queensland will have several competitors in the international field, including Cade Ferguson of Cloncurry, Darcy Wockner of Julia Creek and Clayton Braden of Collinsville.
Ferguson enters the event after finishing fourth in the national saddle bronc standings. He also holds the current junior bull-riding world championship.
Meanwhile, Braden finished seventh in the Australian standings and holds the Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Champion title.
Wockner is among the Australian competitors returning from the United States, where he has been competing on the American rodeo circuit.
Their inclusion gives North Queensland a presence in a field featuring national champions and leading international competitors.
By The Numbers
- 4 of Australia’s top 5: Leading saddle bronc riders from the final 2026 national standings will compete in Warwick.
- 3 American challengers: Shorty Garrett, Gus Gaillard and Zac Dallas will attempt to extend the United States’ winning streak.
- 8 seconds: The duration of each bronc ride, with riders aiming to score high enough to reach the championship short round.
Zoom In
Victoria’s Bailey O’Dell leads the Australian invitation field after finishing the regular season at No. 1. He also became the first rider to win consecutive Xtreme Broncs Australia titles.
Other leading competitors include Ben Rasmussen of Nevertire and Ken Coleman of Bells Bridge. Former Australian champion Greg “Dyso” Hamilton will also take part.
The invitation field features several riders with experience competing overseas. Among them are Bronc Match co-founders Jake Finlay and Tom Webster, alongside Regan Lyons of Meandarra.
Lyons spent the 2026 season competing in the United States while riding for Western Texas College.
Once competition begins, riders will compete in separate sections. The highest scorers will then progress to the championship short round.
Zoom Out
For the American competitors, Saturday presents an opportunity to secure a third consecutive Bronc Match victory.
For the Australians, it is a chance to claim the championship buckle, prize money and custom saddle that have gone to American winners in the previous two years.
Finlay said the Australian contingent understood what was at stake.
“Our Australian riders know the championship buckle, the major prize money and the saddle have gone back to America in both previous years. There is plenty of respect between these cowboys, but once the gate opens, Australia wants that buckle back.”
The championship also offers a custom Australian fender saddle handcrafted by Beaudesert saddlemaker Troy Welsh.
American professional rodeo announcer Garrett Yerigan has travelled to Warwick to call the competition.
What To Look For Next?
The Cinch International Australian Bronc Match takes place at Warwick Showgrounds, Kingsford Street, Warwick, on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
Competition is expected to begin at approximately 6pm, although organisers have yet to confirm the final starting time. One remaining Australian reserve rider will also be announced before the event.
Tickets are available through the official event booking link.
