Ride in for the action

By Tania Martin
THE Cockatoo Rodeo on Saturday proved to be a popular family night out again this year drawing a crowd of more than 4000 people.
Event organiser Graeme MacKay said the rodeo was a fantastic success and raised more than $30,000, which will be donated to the Macclesfield Pony Club and the Emerald junior and senior football clubs.
Mr MacKay said there were 150 competitors who took part in this year’s rodeo, which he said was becoming a really great family night.
He said the highlight of the night was the Frank and Kathleen Memorial Trophy for the Shetland Pony Barrel Race for the youngsters of the rodeo.
The young riders aged between two and eight years of age went head to head in a battle for the trophy with eight-year-old Shaye Gorsuch taking the honours.
Mr MacKay said the crowd went wild for the youngsters of the rodeo and that the trophy never left her sight all night.
“The winner never let go of her trophy all night, and I reckon it will take pride of place under her pillow,” he said.
Mr MacKay said a Queensland couple told him that the Cockatoo Rodeo was a great setting and that it provided a great family night out.
He said the rodeo was a family fun filled night with rodeo action mixed with clowns and a live band to keep the crowd entertained.
Mr MacKay has thanked local police for their support during the rodeo and Robert and Glady for the use of the land for the event.