Heffernan went 2-for-3 to earn the victory in front of a sold-out crowd at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

He started strongly winning Round 1 with 85 points on Ransom but in Round 2 was bucked off by On Point (4.13seconds).

However, in the championship round he scored 85.5 points on Light Em Up to secure the win.

Heffernan describes Light Em Up as a “really good bull”.

“Watched him for two or three years now and I have always wanted to get on him,” he says.

“This is my first win since Wichita in Kansas back in April. Felt like a long time coming but it’s hard work and the right attitude coming together now.”

The determined competitor says he is focused on consistency and getting back to the top in Australia.

“The goal is to be the 2018 Australian Champion, and then head back to the states,” he explains.

The 28-year-old is currently 8th in the world rankings and physically he is feeling good.

“The only injury giving me a problem right now is my riding arm elbow and I am in the process of finding out what is wrong with it. I have been doing exercises and the Gym and Swim and have seen the benefits not only on my elbow but it has also helped rehab my other injuries,” Heffernan says.

But as this fearless athlete says being in pain is all part and parcel of this brutal sport.

“There’s one thing you can be certain of when you are a bullrider, if you can’t ride with pain then you ain’t going to make it. You are never going to be 100 per cent so you need to me mentally strong to deal with that.”

Heffernan is currently sponsored by Dittman Bucking Bulls and Mx Bull Ropes as he attempts to duplicate the success he enjoyed in 2016 when he was crowned Australian Champion.

Event Results:

1. Cody Heffernan 85/0.00/85.5 – 170.5

2. Cliff Richardson 83.5/83.5/0.00 – 167

3. Fraser Babbington 84/82.75/0.00 – 166.75

4. Rohan Markham 82.5/74.25/0.00 – 156.75

5. Justin Paton 76.25/75.25/0.00 – 151.5