Rutherfurd Secures Top National Ranking with Flawless Performance
BEAUDESERT — Donnie Rutherfurd from Mount Isa secured a significant victory at the PBR Monster Energy Beaudesert Invitational this weekend, moving to the number one spot in the national standings. Rutherfurd’s flawless performance, covering all three bulls over two nights, earned him the event buckle and 312 event points, according to the organisers.
Rutherfurd’s winning ride in the Championship Round brought his aggregate score to 247.40. This victory marks his second win of the 2026 season, following his success at the PBR Sandstone Point Touring Pro. With 748.50 points, he now leads the National Standings and is positioned for a strong run at the Gold Buckle and a spot on the Queensland team for the Origin Series.
Queensland Riders Dominate the Event
Alongside Rutherfurd, other Queensland riders made a strong showing. Ethan Coster from Miriam Vale finished second with an aggregate score of 160.50, while 2025 Gold Buckle champion Kurt Shephard of Mareeba took third place with a score of 154.80, the organisers confirmed.
The YETI Bull of the Night was awarded to Stetson Nirvana from Dittmann Bucking Bulls, achieving a bull score of 43.50 points. As the Monster Energy Tour progresses, riders are gearing up for upcoming events in Nowra and other locations, with tickets going on sale March 6.
Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Australia hosts more than 20 events annually and is a subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings, which also owns UFC and WWE. The Beaudesert Invitational is part of the PBR’s efforts to promote bull riding as a premier sport globally. Bull riding continues to gain popularity, drawing fans and competitors from around the world, as events are streamed live and attendance grows. The sport’s combination of skill, courage, and adrenaline-packed action makes it a thrilling spectacle for audiences everywhere.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
