General News
11 August, 2025
Bull riding champion thrilled to win first Isa buckle
Daniel Rogan was an impressive winner of the open bull ride at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.
Tamworth cowboy Daniel Rogan says he’s thrilled to win his first Mount Isa Mines Rodeo buckle after coming out on top in the open bull ride on Sunday afternoon.
Rogan produced a score of 84 on Buffalo Soldier on Friday night and was equal second going into the final.
He drew the Gil Bros bull Fight Club and produced a score of 88 to claim the victory with a combined 172 points.
Making the win sweeter was the fact that his mates and travelling companions Clint Glass and Charlie Bailey rounded out the placings.
“I’m pretty excited. I’ve been coming up here for a few years and haven’t been able to get the win, so it’s good to finally get the job done,” Rogan said post-event.
The 28-year-old, who works as a contract fencer, praised the calibre of stock at this year’s rodeo, which he said brought out the best in his riding peers.
“All the good bull riders in Australia come up to Mount Isa. It’s the most prestigious rodeo in the southern hemisphere and everyone wants to win the money,” Rogan said.
“I’m tickled to come out on top.
“I thought the stock was exceptional ... I thought they were some of the best we’ve seen here (at Mount Isa).
“It makes the cream rise to the top when you’re all getting on good stock, and it’s not an accident when you win.”
The bull riding champion comes from the country music capital of Australia, which itself boasts a big rodeo arena, but said he preferred the red dirt of Buchanan Park’s Kalkadoon Arena.
“We’ve got the big AELEC (Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre) in Tamworth and they pack it out as well,” he said.
“But I’m more of an outdoor man myself so this arena sort of suits me down to the ground.
“It was awesome (on Saturday night) ... it was raw and loud.”
Rogan, who competed in last week’s Curry Merry Muster, will now head to Townsville to compete in the NQ Elite Rodeo.
“It beats fencing, that’s for sure,” he said.
