Three junior bull riders from Gunnedah have starred at the Professional Bull Riders’ (PBR) Junior Academy in Tamworth on Saturday.

Brothers Chase and Bobby Berry along with Bailey Craig contested the ‘grand final’ round of the national series.

Riding a bull by the name of ‘Thomas Redman’, Chase placed fourth at the Tamworth round and sixth overall for the series.

Chase’s dad Matt said the rookie rider “did his job” well, even when the beast started to waver.

“When he started to slow down, he gave him a little nudge to get going again,” he said.

Chase’s brother Bobby, 7, who was one of the youngest competitors at the PBR finals and only recently qualified for competition, also competed.

He rode a bull called ‘Omo’ – perhaps for its washing machine-like characteristics – but did not make time.

Fellow Gunnedah competitor Bailey Craig rode a bull named ‘Thomas Hard Times’ but also did not reach the full eight-second time.

Unlike the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft & Rodeo Association competition which sets a qualifying time of six seconds for junior bull riders, the PBR junior events require the full eight-second ride.

“It is a step up,” Matt said.

Last weekend’s Tamworth grand final followed the boys’ appearances this rodeo season at PBR events around the country including Sydney, Scone, Hawkesbury, Armidale and Maryborough (Queensland).

The PBR season will now break until competition resumes in the New Year when new titles will be up for grabs.

Matt said the boys will be better for the experience of this season’s PBR campaign and ready to improve in 2025.

Until then, riders will continue competition in the remaining rounds of the ABCRA season.

Craig is currently ranked second in the season points standing and Chase equal sixth after missing a few events through the year.

Gunnedah representatives at the PBR Tamworth, Chase Berry (Number 24), Bailey Craig (Number 30) and Bobby Berry (Number 39).

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