Bridgetown’s Patrick Butler second at junior motocross championships in second consecutive year

A Bridgetown junior motocross rider placed second at the 2023 KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championship at the weekend for the second time in consecutive years. 16-year-old Patrick Butler — who will move up to the senior competition next year — took home second place in the 100cc to 125cc category for his age group after a fierce battle ensued throughout the rounds between himself and fellow competitors, first-placed Ky Woods and third-placed Liam Owens. The Manjimup Motor Cycle Club junior pipped Owens at the post for second after outperforming him in the final round. Patrick also placed fifth out of 24 riders in the 250cc category, a mere point behind fourth place. Patrick’s 12-year-old brother Charlie also made the trek to Acacia Hills for the event, placing 13th out of 32 riders in the 65cc category and 24th out of 40 riders in the 85cc category. Manjimup’s Joel Leech and Brody Bachos also attended the event as part of the WA team and, while only placing 38th and 26th out of 39 riders in the 85cc (12-14 year) category, proved there is a strong contingent of riding talent to come out of the Lower South West. Next year Western Australia will host the Australian Junior Motocross Championship, with the location and date yet to be set.