Always the consummate professional, Cody Heffernan is focused on regaining his status of Australia’s number one bull rider.
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As he did in 2016, Heffernan is determined to claim his second national PBR title on home soil.
However, the gutsy home-grown champion did not hesitate to rearrange his schedule and compete at the successful ‘Do it for Dolly’ charity rodeo in Central Queensland.
He was happy to make the long trek to Springsure and support the worthy cause ahead of his next all-important outing on the 2018 PBR national tour which is scheduled to be held in Marrabel, South Australia, this Saturday night.
It is estimated over 6000 people streamed through the gate and a phenomenal $100 000 raised for Dolly’s Dream Foundation which aims to increase awareness about bullying, anxiety and youth suicide.
A charity established by the family and friends of 14-year-old bullying victim Amy “Dolly” Everett who ended her own life in January.
Although Heffernan admits to being a little disappointed with his own performance, he says it was great to be part of the event.
But the night before he did secure second place at the Allora Show bull ride on the Darling Downs.
Thankfully what he did not get was an injury ahead of Marrabel which is pleasing as it’s early days when it comes to the 2018 season and achieving his ultimate goal – to be crowned the PBR Australian National Champion and accumulate enough points to contest the World Finals in Las Vegas.
“I am feeling great and roughly riding 50 per cent of the bulls I face at all levels of competition which I’d like to increase of course so I have to grit the teeth and not quit,” he told The Argus after the charity rodeo on Sunday morning.
“I will stay in Toowoomba until Wednesday then come home to Singleton and fly out of Sydney Saturday morning – and then back again on Sunday.”
Testament to his work ethic and his desire to be the best, Heffernan says he will “try and get on some practice bulls on Thursday”.
“I have accepted an invitation to ride at the Sydney Royal Easter Show from March 23rd to 29th, except for on the 24th because I will be doing the Shepparton PBR that day,” he says.
“I am also planning on competing at the Singleton Rodeo which is in April, I think.”