Boyup Brook rodeo success

Diminished odds were placed on a good turnout at the Harvey Dickson Boyup Brook Rodeo, but dedicated fans showed up in force despite the threat of rain.

Rodeo promoter Harvey Dickson said the clear day expectations and large crowd were "looking marvellous" as he made a grand opening welcome to the 14th annual event.

"I didn't expect to see so many people after we had a downpour of 24mm yesterday," he said.

Long-time supporter Bruce Smith, of Greenbushes, said he always had a great time at the rodeo.

Perth fans Lauren Prater and Melissa Roper could not believe their luck after a rainy evening's camping turned into a day of fine weather in which to watch the talented rodeo horses on show.

There was plenty of applause throughout the rodeo, particularly during the thrilling rough stock action.

Bareback riders Peter Price and Luke Metcalf (first and second, respectively) had the crowd on their feet with some spectacular rides.

Also performing at the top of their sport were bull riders Wade McCarthy and Jesse Deburgh, the two sharing equal bragging rights after tying on 77 points.

Save a thought for Courtney Reinke, who competed in the juvenile steer ride and held on for the required time and earned 61 well-deserved points and third-place ranking in the male-dominated sport.

After being dismounted, she spared no time getting out of harm's way when the steer on which she rode was on the loose.

In the 11 to 14-year-old steer ride, national all-round junior cowboy Luke Parkinson, from NSW, won his event.

But throw a saddle on a bucking horse and it was Hamish Lamond scoring the win and the crowd's appreciation in the saddle bronc.

Flying over from NSW, Heath Nicols made the trip worth the effort by winning the rope and tie event, keeping his national standings in top order.

The rodeo's Melbourne Cup equivalent, the ladies' barrel race, was won by a speedy Wendy Harris, of Moora, on her horse Bindi in a time of 17.35 seconds. Just 0.44 seconds behind in equal second place were finishers Hayley Hall and Tenika McCarthy.

The barrel racers were conservative going around the obstacles because of the wet ground from the rain, which made for a slick track.

Harris was also a dual winner, taking out the ladies' steer undecorating in a time of 2.22 seconds.