General News
11 August, 2025
Rasmussen claims open saddle bronc buckle
The quietly spoken NSW cowboy was too good across his two rides at the Mount Isa Rodeo.
A brilliant ride on the Gill Bros bucking horse Big Brother on Saturday night paved the way for Ben Rasmussen to claim his first Mount Isa Mines Rodeo saddle bronc buckle on Sunday.
The NSW cowboy produced a big score of 85 to be the clubhouse leader heading into Sunday’s final.
He did just enough to claim the win, riding Cowboy X to an 84 to pip young gun Bailey O’Dell, who produced a massive 88 on boom bucking horse Hilltop Hustler to finish runner-up.
“That was a really good horse (on Saturday); I really loved him, and to come into this short round with the points ahead, that really helped out a lot,” the quietly spoken Rasmussen said.
“All the best riders are here, like a good bunch of boys, and you never know what’s gonna happen on the day.”
The Nevertire product said he was keen to watch Hilltop Hustler, especially knowing that O’Dell could be the one to knock him out of top spot if he produced a huge score like he’s done in previous rodeos around Australia.
“I was just keen to watch it. I always love watching that horse and love watching Bailey,” Rasmussen said.
“That was always going to be a really good match-up but you still never know what that paint horse is going to do. He’s still fairly young but very bucky.”
Rasmussen praised the hard work of the Mount Isa Rodeo board and their commitment to lift the prizemoney to $15,000 in all open events in 2025.
“It makes it really worth it. I’ve spent a lot of money on flights and accommodation to get up here, so it makes it worthwhile,” he said.
