Veteran Protection Athlete Jared Borghero to Retire at PBR Australia Grand Finals
Jared Borghero, regarded as one of Australia’s premier bull riding protection athletes, will step away from in-arena competition following the 2026 PBR Australia Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals in Townsville.
The event, scheduled for 13 and 14 November at the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre, marks Borghero’s 10th Grand Finals appearance and concludes an active career that includes 13 Protection Athlete of the Year titles.
Raised in Beaudesert, Queensland, and now based in Singleton, New South Wales, Borghero represents four generations of family involvement in Australian rodeo. His uncle, Graham Borghero, was a notable Australian bullfighter famously photographed facing the bucking bull Chainsaw.
Over his career, Borghero estimates he has protected between 6,000 and 10,000 rides. The role requires athletes to intervene in split-second windows when a competitor is thrown, knocked unconscious, or hung up, diverting 700-kilogram bucking bulls to allow fallen riders to reach safety.
Borghero said his decision to retire from the dirt stems from a desire to finish on his own terms, spend time with his partner, Sal, and their six children, and allow an emerging group of younger athletes to secure arena spots.
“The sport has been so good to me, and I want to go out on my own terms,” Borghero said. “We have a handful of really talented young fellas coming through, and I don’t want to be the person holding one of them out of a spot.”
PBR Australia Managing Director Glen Young acknowledged Borghero’s influence on the discipline, stating his dedication, sportsmanship, and mentorship had made a lasting impact on professional bull riding across the country.
While Townsville marks the end of his arena protection duties, Borghero will continue as coach for the PBR Australia Origin Series. He also intends to assist in developing pathways for junior competitors and aspiring protection athletes.