Outback Kid goes after glory in Copper City

WHEN Winton cowboy Gary Murphy entered the infamous Bull Pit in Mount Isa last Friday, the last thing he wanted to hear from the commentator was: "that bull has more kickbacks than the Australian Wheat Board".

It was the second round of the Isa’s rodeo feature event – the Bull Pit – attracting 35 competitors, a sell-out crowd of 3,000 and some very fiery bulls to the tiny arena.

The Bucking Thunder Down Under Series, held in conjunction with the iconic Mount Isa Rodeo, is a new addition to the rodeo festivities held over a weekend in August, with enough prize money to attract cowboys from across the country and overseas.

It was Mr Murphy’s sixth time to the Isa, however his first time as an engaged man and father.

"I left my fiancée and baby at the hotel tonight," Mr Murphy said.

"My fiancée gets worried about me, but who can blame her?"

This year, Mr Murphy drew a bull named ‘Hard Copy’ that was ridden to victory the weekend before in Cloncurry.

"I saw the cowboy ride that bull last weekend and he won.

"But I had a bit of bad night and didn’t make the eight."

Mr Murphy was thrown out of contention, yet still was more than willing to saddle up for the next round the following day.

"There is a lot of camaraderie between the bull riders.
"It doesn’t matter if you come from a different country, we just all jump up and encourage each other to get back in the saddle."