Champion Bull Fighter returns to Christchurch.
The New Zealand International Rodeo is pleased to announce the return of (now) 8 times International Bull Fighting
Champion Matt Darmody on November 15th.
Darmody performed in Christchurch at the first International Rodeo and has confirmed his return to the premier event
despite being in huge international demand. Darmody said that the first New Zealand International Rodeo held indoors in
2007 was one of the best he had attended in the world and rivalled even the Los Vegas World Finals.
Professional bull fighter Matt Darmody puts his life on the line to save thrown cowboys from the 1000kg raging bulls and
during last years international rodeo Darmody sustained several broken ribs and lacerations after being hooked by
suicidal, the beast bread by southlander Ian Nicholls. 25 year old Darmody was born in Australia but spends his year
competing as a Bull Fighter in Canada, USA, Mexico and of course his homeland of Australia.
The Bull Fighter’s job is more likened to that of a Japanese Kamikaze Pilot as his role is to distract the 2000lb raging
bull from attacking the cowboy that has just been thrown from his back after the 8 second ride of his life. “The bull
fighter is always the one that gets nailed,” Darmody says. His trademark colour is red and his specialty is attempting
to jump the bull while it charges at him. Of course, it does not always go as planned and he has sustained more than 18
broken bones, numerous concussions, a broken neck and has been knocked unconscious more times than he cares to remember.
Matt Darmody will team up with kiwi bull fighter Alex Watson. Alongside them, but no where near the bulls, will be
Australia’s biggest comedy clown Al Wilson who has been hailed the funniest man in rodeo.
The International Rodeo will welcome 39 competitors from 5 Countries including Australia, Canada, USA, Brazil and of
course New Zealand in a 3 hour one night only spectacular. The biggest stand off between man and beast ever staged in
New Zealand said International Rodeo Productions Managing Director Craig Douglas. The Rodeo will also feature Saddle
Bronc riding, barrel racing and Bareback Bronc riding. Other entertainment will include International rope spinning and
whip cracking acts, pyrotechnics, trade displays, trick riding demonstrations and a Big Screen TV.
The International Rodeo will be held at the end of Canterbury’s Cup & Show Week and will also house a 300sqm Cowboy Bar outside the Westpac Arena where rodeo fans can expect entertainment
like riding a mechanical bull, big screen TV’s, live performances from country and western stars Patsy Rigger and
Brendan Dugan, the rodeo cheerleaders and more. The Cowboy Party will begin at 3pm and continue until 2am the following
morning.
Rodeo fans are urged to hurry as tickets are selling fast and only limited seating is available.
To check out Matt Darmody’s DVD go to, www.rodeogp.co.nz/media.html
For more International Rodeo info go to, www.rodeogp.co.nz
Pictures of Matt Darmody can be given by e-mailing us at: info@rodeogp.co.nz
Ticket info from: http://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=INTRODEO07
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