Ben has bull by the horns

What is it about bull-riding that rallies up thunderous crowds of hardcore, fist pumping, cowboy-hat wearing Texans? For one, its described as one of the toughest and most exhilarating spectator events in the world. Who wouldn’t want to witness a burly, death-defying man take on a 1000kg beast in a public arena? On that note, the faint hearted need not read on.

Usually reserved for Sydney's Royal Easter Show, this champion danger sport is coming to Homebush on June 5 when Aussie and US competitors will fight it out in the 2010 PBR World Challenge series final.

“You need serious talent to be a bull rider,” says Queensland-born buccaneer Ben Jones who is one of 10 Aussies competing. “You’ve got to have passion and take the knocks. You get horned in the face. Broken bones. I’ve broken both my legs and punctured a lung,” he says with nonchalance. 

“My family really supports me. My fiancée comes and watches.  She actually competes as well. But after what I’ve seen in my career I don’t think I would let my kids do it.”

Jones, 31, who got on his first bull at age 12, is ranked as one of the top 40 bull-riders in the world and will attempt with gusto to ride the required eight-second journey on two bulls with the hope of progressing to the championship round. 

“I love this sport," he says. "The crowd won’t know what to expect. It’s always a case of expect the unexpected with bull riding. It will be the biggest event for bull riding Sydney has seen.”

At night's end, a victorious, albeit bruised, champion will be awarded the series buckle and take home $50,000 in prize money. 

Where: Acer Arena, Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park, June 4 and 5.

Tickets: Diamond $124.90, Platinum $80, Gold $60, Silver $40, Silver Child $20.

Contact Ticketek on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au.