What’s Happening?
Queensland cowboy Zane Hall, from Athol, won the PBR Australia Hawkesbury Invitational after remaining unbeaten across every round. The victory capped a two-night event and strengthened Hall’s campaign for the gold buckle.
Reigning champion Kurt Shephard and Brazil’s Keny Roger de Oliveira remain his main title rivals.
Why It Matters
Hall’s perfect Hawkesbury performance cut Shephard’s lead and strengthened his push for Australian bull riding’s most coveted buckle.
De Oliveira remains firmly in contention, while Shephard continues as the rider to catch. The result leaves a close contest before the remaining tour meetings and Townsville’s season finale.
Local Impact
Queensland riders remain central to both the senior title race and junior results. Shephard, Hall and Miriam Vale’s Ethan Coster hold three of the top four national positions.
Rockhampton’s Caiden Sandilands featured among Friday’s leading riders at Hawkesbury. Miriam Vale’s Rex Walker also secured Queensland’s Can-Am Junior Academy Rising Stars victory.
The tour returns to Queensland for the Mackay Invitational before the Grand Finals are held in Townsville.
By the Numbers
- Hall went three-for-three for a 243.80-point aggregate and earned 276 PBR Australia points. It was his fifth victory of 2026.
- Mareeba’s Shephard leads with 2,087 points. Hall returned to second on 1,976, sitting 111 points behind. Brazil’s de Oliveira is third with 1,849.
- Miriam Vale’s Ethan Coster is fourth for Queensland with 894 points. Heywood’s Sam Woodall is fifth for Victoria with 887 points.
Zoom In
Hall opened round one with 73.20 points aboard Gone Rogue after declining a reride. On Saturday night, he added 85.50 points aboard Asmodeus. He then scored 85.10 aboard MSG Locating Filthy Rich in the Championship Round to seal the Hawkesbury title.
Walcha’s Tyson Smith finished runner-up with a 171.50-point aggregate and recorded the weekend’s highest ride. He scored 86.90 aboard Candy Paint in the Championship Round. Brazilian rider Keny Roger de Oliveira placed third overall with a 170.70-point aggregate. His 86.80-point ride aboard BJ left him narrowly behind Smith.
Candy Paint received a 43.00-point bull score, with Smith matching the bull through to the whistle. Willow Tree’s Clint Glass placed fourth overall, continuing his strong run, while Shephard finished fifth.
Shephard had already claimed the Friday Night Bonus and $5,000. His 85-point ride aboard Uppercut topped the opening round. Smith followed with 84.60, ahead of Rockhampton’s Caiden Sandilands on 83.80. Oberon’s Jack Rowlandson recorded 83.40.
Sky High from Morgys Cattle Company earned Bull of the Weekend honours with a 43.10-point mark.
Young BSW cowboys from New South Wales won three of four Can-Am Junior Academy divisions. Singleton’s Clay Thomas won Pee Wee with 66.00 aboard Jerry. Barraba’s Noah Lowe claimed Juniors with 71.30 aboard Alcatraz.
Kootingal’s Colby Clark took Senior with 75.20 aboard Toolio. Queensland claimed Rising Stars through Miriam Vale’s Rex Walker, who scored 78.80 aboard Done Deal.
Zoom Out
The Hawkesbury results reflected the depth of competition across the senior and junior fields. Queensland riders tightened the national title contest.
New South Wales secured the senior runner-up place and three junior division wins.
What To Look For Next?
The PBR Australia Monster Energy Tour continues with five events before the 2026 season concludes in Townsville.
- Saturday, 12 September: The Coffs Harbour Invitational will be held at Coffs Harbour Showground. The main event begins at 7 pm.
- Saturday, 19 September: The Orange Invitational will take place at Wade Park in Orange. The main event begins at 7 pm.
- Friday, 16 October to Saturday, 17 October: The Mackay Invitational will run at BB Print Stadium in South Mackay. Friday begins at 7:30 pm, followed by Saturday at 7 pm.
- Saturday, 24 October: The Tamworth Iron Cowboy Invitational will be held at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre. The event begins at 7 pm.
- Friday, 13 November to Saturday, 14 November: The PBR Australia Grand Finals will be held at Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre. Both sessions begin at 7:30 pm.
Tickets for all listed events are available through PBR Australia.