At just 11 years old, Singleton’s Sonny Heffernan is already riding his way into the record books. This Saturday (August 30) in Caboolture, the young bull rider will become the first rider in Australia to compete in 50 PBR Junior Academy events, a milestone many seasoned professionals never reach.
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For Sonny, it’s not just about numbers. Over his 50 events, he’s covered 33 bulls and made the whistle more than two-thirds of the time, with 30 of those rides finishing in the top five. They’re statistics that even world-class riders would envy.
And he’s only getting started. The day after Caboolture, Sonny will trade his cowboy hat for a boarding pass, flying out to Ogden, Utah, to compete at the International Mini Bull Riding Association (IMBA) World Finals from September 3–6. It won’t be his first time representing Australia on the global stage. In 2019, at just five years old, he competed in Las Vegas and placed 11th.
Bull riding in the blood
Sonny’s family name is already well known in the sport. He’s the nephew of PBR NSW Origin coach and two-time National Champion Cody Heffernan, and he’s carving out his own list of achievements, including the 2024 Peewee Australian Title and playing a part in New South Wales’ memorable Origin victory in 2025.
Simon Mallory, PBR announcer, said the PBR Can-Am Junior Academy, launched in 2021, has been a game-changer for the sport’s future.
“It’s dedicated to creating pathways for young bull riders to progress all the way to the national and international stage,” he said. “Watching riders like Sonny shine in front of sold-out crowds at the PBR Origin Series has been incredible, and the entire PBR community can’t wait to cheer him on in Caboolture for his 50th junior event and on the international stage.”
The next generation
Sonny will line up in Caboolture alongside 60 juniors, some as young as eight, all competing for the chance to reach the Junior Grand Finals in Tamworth this October. Mallory said the program’s success has also been driven by the commitment of families.
“The success of the program wouldn’t be without the parents who give up their entire weekends to bring their kids from across the country to compete. It’s truly an amazing thing to see,” he said.
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For the young bull rider, Saturday marks more than just another ride. It’s the beginning of his journey onto the world stage. Pint-sized he may be, but with his record and grit, this young cowboy is proving he’s one to watch.
Catch Sonny making history at the PBR Caboolture Invitational, Saturday August 30 at QSEC. Gates open at 4.30 p.m, Junior Academy starts 5.00 pm, Main Event 7.00 p.m.
Featured image credit: PBR Australia
Published 26-August-2025
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