The annual Blue Moon bull ride took place last weekend and some of the best riders in the country displayed their bravery and skill to a massive Kempsey crowd.
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Organiser Pete Farley described it as “an epic clash of man vs beast,” and was happy how the overall event went.
“The whole thing went really smoothly, we must have had over three thousand people through the gates,"
“Very happy with the turnout, everyone had a great time.”
This year saw Justin Robards, who hails from the Hunter Valley, get the big win with a score of 167 on two bulls.
“It was pretty special for us to see Justin win, he rode two huge bulls and did really well,” Mr Farley said.
This year also saw a record-breaking performance.
“This year we saw something huge, an 89 from runner-up Cody Heffernan on his second bull,” Mr Farley said.
“89 is massive, its the biggest score we’ve ever had, there would only be one or two 90 point rides in Australia a year."
Local boy Tom Donelly sadly didn't take out the win this year, but he got close, only coming up short by a few seconds.
“He was doing really well, he could have gone on to win the whole thing, that’s just how it goes sometimes.”
Aside from dazzling crowds with awesome riding and excellent entertainment, the Blue Moon bull ride also raises money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The total amount raised is still being tallied up, Mr Farley is confident though.
“I think we achieved our goal.”
Mr Farley, who is a retired bull rider himself, couldn't 100 per cent confirm an event next year, though he didn't rule it out.
“Its just such a good time for the whole community, and for a great cause, its hard not to do another one,”
“We’ve been getting such good feedback from this one, everyone always has a great time.”
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