Bowker is originally from Normanton in Queensland but often alternates his time depending on rodeo commitments between Victoria and Queensland.

A plumber by trade, Bowker has worked for the local authority at Normanton where travel to jobs was a little like travel to rodeos, up to hundreds of kilometres at a time.

He won the 2005 and 2006 pro tour champion-ships in the APRA in the bareback bronc ride for the most money won in the season.

Since first joining the APRA in 1988, Bowker has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo on 10 occasions.

At the 2009 finals at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Bowker won the last round to secure his first finals title in a close finish from Gore, Qld, rider Fred Osman and experienced Quirindi, NSW rider and former titleholder Darren Clarke. Bowker only has to finish in the top 15 on the pro tour this year to again qualify for the finals next January at the Gold Coast.

Bowker has a biggest pay cheque of $3200 in rodeo and lists his interests as cricket and horses.

He has a major chance to stake an early claim towards another pro tour title within the next month when four championship points rodeos are scheduled in Victoria.

APRA program: February 13 - Geelong (Vic); February 26 - Inverell Show Rodeo (NSW); February 27 - Woodstock (Tasmania); February 27 - Millmerran Show Rodeo (Qld); February 27 - Whittlesea (Vic); March 5 - Kyabram (Vic); March 6 - Merrijig (Vic); March 6 - Gowrie Park (Tas); March 7 - Chiltern (Vic); March 13 - Woodford (Qld).

All rodeos are full championship points rodeos except Inverell and Whittlesea.