Eighteen year-old Armidale cowboy David Rice rode his luck and the crowd to claim the Australian Bull Riding Championship and the $4500 buckle at Kundabung on Sunday.

The youngster upstaged defending champion Jason O’Hearn of Cessnock to claim his first major title, with a combined total of 168 from his two rides.

The event was the first time that North American bison had been bucked in Australia, with two riders taking the challenge.

O’Hearn finished equal second with Kentucky cowboy Andrew Kelly on 162 points.

Rodeo organiser John Scott said Rice’s win was the perfect finish to Kundabung’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

A spectacular opening ceremony featuring a pyrotechnics display and the release of hundreds of balloons into the sky paved the way for yet another great rodeo, with more than 50 cowboys contesting events including the bull ride, saddle bronc and novice bull ride competitions.

“The standard here is as good as anything you’ll see anywhere in the world,” Mr Scott said.

“It was a great day, with plenty of action and all the feedback has been really positive.”

In the saddle bronc competition Coffs Harbour’s Phil Minter claimed the title with a 78-point ride, while Bulahdelah’s Justin Robards won the novice bull ride with a score of 77.

Coonamble’s Nathan Burtenshaw was the winner of the steer ride.