ProRodeo Sports News - June 23, 2022

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Damian Brennan may be a rookie in ProRodeo, but the Injune, Australia, saddle bronc rider looks far from it in the arena. On June 15, Brennan won the Battle Born Broncs in Fallon, Nev. to earn himself $7,924. He currently leads in the running for the Resistol Rookie of the Year race and is 19th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $35,120.

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Damian: It all started for me back in Australia, where my dad was a pickup man. I had a few buddies around home that used to get on saddle bronc horses a lot. I used to go get on horses at their houses and it really kicked started from there for me. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Damian: I think once I got over here to Western Texas College in Snyder and started doing well at the college level. Then on my permit year I had a pretty good year and made it to the Permit Challenge. I’d have to say probably my permit year was when I thought you know I can do this, I can probably make a living doing this. Why did you decide saddle bronc riding would be your event? Damian: Mainly I just grew up on a ranch and rode horses my whole life in a saddle. That just really felt more natural to me I suppose and why I ended up doing saddle bronc riding. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo?

DAMIAN BRENNAN

Damian: I really look up to (ProRodeo Hall of Famer) Dave Appleton, he’s a big one for me coming from Australia as well. He kind of started the trend for us Australians coming over to the States. He’s one of my idols for sure. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Damian: Obviously winning the NFR is the main goal for almost everyone. I’m also headed to Calgary here in a month and I think that would be a great one to kick off the bucket list of rodeo wins. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card at this point in your career? Damian: I just feel like I’m riding really good right now and you only get to rodeo for so long. I’m already 23 and not getting any younger, so I thought I might as well give it a crack now while I’m here. Why did you come to the United States to begin your rodeo career? Damian: If you want to take rodeo seriously and make a living from it you sort of have to come to America. There’s rodeo in Australia, but it’s more of a hobby I suppose. But as for America you can make a living doing it. That’s one of the main reasons I came over here. What’s your favorite restaurant? Damian: If I had to choose one it would probably have to be Texas Roadhouse. Do you have a favorite candy? Damian: I’m a big fan of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Those things are pretty dang good. What’s your go-to movie? Damian: I would have to say Step Brothers . I love it, it’s just a good comedy that makes you laugh every time you watch it. What was the make of your first car? Damian: I drove a 2001 Dodge minivan for a long time. I just bought myself a new pickup and camper two weeks ago. What’s your favorite TV show or series? Damian: Yellowstone is probably one of my favorites. I really enjoyed that show. What’s your favorite holiday? Damian: Christmas is my favorite holiday because you get to be together with family and see everyone that you haven’t seen in a while. What type of music do you like listening to? Damian: Country is probably my favorite, but I’m a bit all over the place honestly. I like rap as well and all different kinds of music. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rodeoing? Damian: I love ranching. That is what I really like to do when I’m not rodeoing. I just like riding horses and working cows mainly.

ProRodeo Sports News 6/24/2022

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