She won the first round of the Warwick Rodeo APRA National Finals in 2.4 seconds from Sarina rider Kathryn Hale on 2.45.

The top 15 riders in each event competed in round 1 at Warwick Showgrounds.

Simpson was ranked 13th going into the finals and won with seven-year-old gelding Micky.

"It was pretty exciting to win in my first appearance in a finals round in Warwick," she said.

"I will need scores in each of the four rounds at the finals to have a chance to win the title."

During the 2019 season, Simpson's best performances were second overall at Mt Isa and second in the Hughenden timed events rodeo.

All riders receive credit for their pro tour performances going into the finals which means riders from 11th to 15th in the rankings have some catching up to do at the finals.

In the barrel race, Albury rider Ellie Gard was clocked at 18.121 seconds to win from Emerald (Qld) rider Leanne Caban on 18.299.

Clay Bush won the rope and tie in 9.2 seconds from Charters Towers rider Darcy Kersh in 10.05.

Past title winners Campbell Hodson and Liam Davison won the team roping in 7.85 seconds from father-and-son team Warrick and Toby Hale.

Standings leader Tate van Wel from Charters Towers won the steer wrestling in 3.4 seconds in his first appearance at a national finals rodeo.

Caboolture rider Lachlan O'Neill was second in steer wrestling with a time of 3.75 seconds.