THE drenched crowd watched wide-eyed and groaned with every buck as some bull riders came off a little worse for wear at Redland Bay on the weekend.
Grass Roots Bull Riding promised thrills and spills and the event delivered.
Organiser Jesse James, who was hospitalised after fracturing his shoulder in the over-40s bull ride, said up to 1000 people walked through the gates on Saturday.
While the turn-out was less than expected, Mr James said the sodden conditions did nothing to dampen the spirits of spectators who stayed-on to enjoy the main event.
Bull rider David Mawhinney, who became $1000 richer after he won first place in the over-40s contest, said he was impressed with how the day turned out.
“The ground was excellent,” he said.
“The day was not as good due to the weather, but there was still a lot people (spectators) who hung around.”
An animal cruelty protest held outside could be heard in the arena, which Mr James said left him disappointed.
He said his cordial invite to the lead protester to inspect the animals’ health was refused.
Protests also could be heard during the piglet races, which were hosted by NRL legend Dale Shearer from about noon.
The races were held to raise money for his Shearer Tackles Cancer campaign.
More than $900 was made for the cause, Mr Shearer said.
Lead stock contractor Dean Weller said about 144 bull riders competed in the U18, novice, opens and senior events.
While those in the open and senior classes were assigned bulls in advance, it was luck-of-the-draw for the day’s younger competitors.
Junior bull rider Blake Bartkowski, 17, said he was pleased.
“It is good to know the bull, but then it is good not to,” he said.
“You want to ride as many as you can.”
Caboolture man Jason Back, who recently returned from retirement following injuries, said Grass Roots had been an event he looked forward because of the prize money on offer.
“I am always excited about bull riding,” he said.
While cash prizes were given out on the day to the bull riders, the cowboys were not the only winners.
Mr James said The Cage Youth Foundation was set to benefit from the event.
Funds were raised through the sale of t-shirts, a cowboy auction, gate ticket sales, charity rides by National Rugby League legends Chris Walker, Scott Sattler, Darrell Trindall and Nathan Wood and barbecue food purchases.
The total amount to go to the cage was yet to be calculated, he said.