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LAS VEGAS – Hardy Braden is making the most of his first trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER.

Coming into the 2017 Finals, Braden was just hoping to compete and maybe place a few times.

On Wednesday, Dec. 13, Braden won his second go-round at the Thomas & Mack Center, scoring 88 points on Hi Lo ProRodeo’s Garden City Gal for the Round 7 win.

“That’s pretty unbelievable,” Braden said. “I came in with the mindset of being happy to place in some rounds, let alone win two of them. Two out of seven is good compared to what I said I’d be happy with. I treat it like any rodeo, and show up with a level head and do the best with what you got and block out the pressure of so much money in a perf.”

Braden had never been on Garden City Gal before, but rode her like she was old hat.

“I had never actually seen her,” Braden said, “but Jacobs (Crawley) had been on her before and some of my friends too, and they all said she had some moves and tricks, and to try to stay back on her – and that’s what I did, and she had an outstanding trip today.”

Crawley is still leading the WEATHER GUARD® PRCA World Standings with $226,927. Crawley placed fifth in Round 7.

 

Aus notches second win of 2017 WNFR

After tying for first in the second round, bareback rider Tanner Aus hit a cold spell, placing just once over the next three rounds. But a night after breaking that streak with a tie for fifth, Aus scored 87 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s Jr. Bonner.

“It’s nice,” Aus said. “That’s just part of the competition being so tough here, sometimes you’re going to split round wins. To be able to head out there tonight on my own, this is basically the culmination of a long season and a lot of preparation. It’s a dream come true to be on that stage again, and I’m very thankful that I get to go out there.”

Aus had to wait for a re-ride from Orin Larsen before he could truly celebrate his win.

“Well, I knew that Orin (Larsen) had a good shot (on his re-ride) – Orin’s been riding great all week, he had a great horse, this is a tough pen,” said Aus, from Minnesota. “I was just waiting with bated breath, I guess, but thankful to have the round win for sure.”

World standings leader Tim O’Connell tied for second in the go-round and heads into Round 8 with $289,762, more than $80,000 ahead of Aus, his closest competitor.

 

Eldridge goes 3.3 seconds to win steer wrestling

Dakota Eldridge posted the fastest time of the 2017 WNFR in the steer wrestling competition when he stopped the clock at 3.3 seconds. That was plenty fast to win Round 7 and take home $26,231.

Eldridge entered the seventh round with the fourth best average time. His time in Round 7 kept him in fourth and has him in seventh place in the world standings with $144,006.

The quick victory had Eldridge pumped.

“The feeling when you win is something you never want to get rid of,” said Eldridge, a 26-year-old Nevadan. “The crowd goes crazy and it’s incredible. They had not done anything on that steer, but you have to have a good attitude no matter what and stay positive.

Eldridge changed his approach and watched it work.

“I finally got close to the barrier tonight,” he said. “I’ve been giving them a head start. I’m done being nice, I’m going to get greedy.”

Being from Elko, Nev., gave Eldridge a special feeling to win in his home state.

“I have a bunch of people down here today and it’s just unbelievable to have this rodeo in your home state, six hours from my house,” Eldridge said. “You get down here, and sometimes you get caught up and get tired, and man, you just have to crave it and realize how much money you’re running for. It doesn’t get any better than having your home state crowd cheering for you. That really pumps you up.”

Ty Erickson, who leads the aggregate, is on top of the world standings with $230,267 heading into the final three rounds of the WNFR.

 

Egusquiza/Koontz pair up for another round win

Dustin Egusquiza might be in the middle of his first trip to the WNFR, but he’s not roping like it.

Egusquiza, a team roping header, paired with Kory Koontz to win their second go-round in the Finals, clocking a time of 3.5 seconds, the fastest time of the 2017 Finals.

“It makes me feel good to be able to get him going in his career and to be the first guy to rope with him at the NFR,” said Koontz, in his 21st trip to the WNFR. “When I get old and I’m in my rocking chair, I can sit back and watch him do great things. I get a really good feeling in seeing guys that I was able to help move forward in their career and get them going.”

Egusquiza was ecstatic with his first win. Wednesday’s win felt just as good.

“I don’t think there could have been a greater feeling than winning the first round, but 3.5 (seconds) in the seventh go-round heading for Kory Koontz, it’s pretty crazy,” said Egusquiza, 22.

The time also tied for the second fastest in Round 7 history. Egusquiza’s confidence continues to grow.

“Man, I know that I can turn him wherever,” Egusquiza said. “When the gate opens, I can turn him and he (Koontz) is always going to be ready. I’m not ever going to catch him off guard.”

Egusquiza and Koontz have pocketed $70,712 each.

Team ropers Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira have moved back into first place in the world standings in their respective events, where they started when the Finals opened. Driggers has $196,086, while Nogueira has $196,816.

 

Frost capitalizes on Heavens Basement to win bull riding

Joe Frost knew he was getting a good bull. Wayne Vold Rodeo’s Heavens Basement had bucked off Tim Bingham in Round 2 of the Finals.

He didn’t buck off Frost.

Frost rode Heavens Basement for 87 points and the win in Round 7.

“Well, I talked to my dad and brother when they found what I had, and last time they watched when Bingham had him and they said he was to the right,” Frost said. “But I put that out of my mind. If I know, I will get ahead of myself, and I would rather ride in the center; and if they turn, I can catch up and play defense – that’s the best way to do it.”

It was the fifth time Frost has placed in the Finals this year, giving him $88,692 for the rodeo and $217,835 in season earnings.

“It always helps anytime you win a round,” Frost said. “It’s been two years since I won a round (at the Wrangler NFR). It’s the most fun thing – you are the star of the show and it pays well, too.”

With $340,229, Sage Kimzey continues to dominate the world standings. He’s also first in the aggregate with 513.5 points on six head.

 

Carlisle snaps streak to win tie-down roping round

It had been a long time since Randall Carlisle had won a round at the WNFR. That streak is over.

Carlisle won the Round 7 tie-down roping in 7.5 seconds to get his first go-round win at the Finals since his last appearance in 2013, when he won Round 2.

“I’m just thankful that things are turning around,” Carlisle said. “I started off bad and I’m trying to overcome everything.”

Carlisle said the encouragement he received from family and friends earlier in the day gave him a jolt heading into the round.

“I had text messages all day today saying that tonight was going to be my night, and I broke the ice,” he said. “Now, there are three rounds left and I’m going to keep going after it each night.”

Carlisle switched horses after the first two rounds, getting on Fletch for Round 3, and was riding him again for Wednesday’s win.

“He’s been very good,” Carlisle said. “I started using him in Round 3 and he has done the same thing every night. I used my horse, Cat, the first two rounds, and he’s a great horse that’s real strong and he was a little too strong here, so I decided to switch to (Fletch) because he’s smaller and easier (to handle).”

Regular-season leader Tuf Cooper continues to be at the top of the world standings, stretching his lead after a second-place finish Wednesday. He has $247,406.

 

Murray wins first go-round at WNFR

WNFR newcomer Tillar Murray rode out last in the barrel racing on Wednesday.

She finished first.

Murray finished in 13.40 seconds, the second fastest time for any Round 7.

Murray is in her first trip to the Finals. Through her first six rounds she had placed twice. Then came the win.

“I can’t believe that I won a go-round,” she said. “I am just so happy to be here. I’ve wanted to be at the NFR ever since I was a little kid. Just being here is cool. I really had no expectation of winning a round. There is just no way to describe it. It is the coolest feeling.”

Her horse, Commander, is adjusting to the arena.

“I am so excited,” she said. “I was nervous being last out on the ground, but Commander really handled it well. I couldn’t have asked him to work any better. He exceeded all expectations and I am so proud of him.”

Tiany Schuster has $285,339 in season earnings to continue to lead the way toward the barrel racing world championship.

 

Cooper gains ground in all-around race

Trevor Brazile continues to lead in the race for the coveted all-around gold buckle, but his brother-in-law, Tuf Cooper, gained some ground in Round 7.

Brazile did not place in the money in the tie-down roping, while Cooper took second to win $20,731. Brazile leads the all-around race with $313,837. Cooper is second with $286,983.

 

Ryder Wright atop RAM Top Gun race

In his second trip to the WNFR, 19-year-old Ryder Wright is leading the RAM Top Gun Award standings.

Wright finished second in the saddle bronc riding go-round Wednesday and earned $20,731 to move into first place in the Top Gun chase with $121,692.

He passed barrel racer Hailey Kinsel, who is second with $120,423.

 

 

Seventh Performance Results, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017

 

Bareback riding: 1. Tanner Aus, 87 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s Jr Bonner, $26,231; 2. (tie) Tim O’Connell and Clayton Biglow, 85.5, $18,192 each; 4. (tie) Jake Vold, Bill Tutor and Mason Clements, 83.5, $7,333 each; 7. J.R. Vezain, 83; 8. R.C. Landingham, 82; 9. Richmond Champion, 80.5; 10. Steven Dent, 78; 11. Caleb Bennett, 76; 12. Wyatt Denny, 74.5; 13. Ty Breuer, 73; 14. Orin Larsen, 66.5; 15. Jake Brown, NS. Average standings: 1. Jake Vold, 598.5 points on seven head; 2. Tim O’Connell, 598; 3. Richmond Champion, 594.5; 4. J.R. Vezain, 586; 5. Caleb Bennett, 583.5; 6. Tanner Aus, 582.5. World standings: 1. Tim O’Connell, $289,762; 2. Tanner Aus, $201,868; 3. Jake Vold, $185,706; 4. Clayton Biglow, $179,826; 5. Richmond Champion, $178,819; 6. Orin Larsen, $171,009; 7. J.R. Vezain, $159,062; 8. Caleb Bennett, $147,703; 9. Mason Clements, $143,005; 10. Bill Tutor, $140,167; 11. Wyatt Denny, $140,084; 12. Ty Breuer, $125,337; 13. Jake Brown, $119,982; 14. Steven Dent, $109,998; 15. R.C. Landingham, $106,031.

 

Steer wrestling: 1. Dakota Eldridge, 3.3 seconds, $26,231; 2. (tie) Tyler Pearson and Kyle Irwin, 3.6, $18,192 each; 4. Rowdy Parrott, 3.8, $11,000; 5. Olin Hannum, 3.9, $6,769; 6. Tyler Waguespack, 4.0, $4,231; 7. J.D. Struxness, 4.2; 8. (tie) Ty Erickson and Ryle Smith, 4.4 each; 10. Scott Guenthner, 4.8; 11. Baylor Roche, 5.0; 12. Chason Floyd, 5.0; 13. Nick Guy, 5.1; 14. Jon Ragatz, 13.0; 15. Tanner Milan, NT. Average standings: 1. Ty Erickson, 30.3 seconds on seven head; 2. Tyler Pearson, 30.7; 3. Kyle Irwin, 32.5; 4. Dakota Eldridge, 32.6; 5. Rowdy Parrott, 33.0; 6. Nick Guy, 34.0. World standings: 1. Ty Erickson, $230,267; 2. Tyler Pearson, $210,880; 3. Tyler Waguespack, $189,393; 4. Tanner Milan, $150,766; 5. Kyle Irwin, $147,434; 6. Baylor Roche, $144,455; 7. Dakota Eldridge, $144,006; 8. Olin Hannum, $131,951; 9. J.D. Struxness, $131,203; 10. Jon Ragatz, $117,082; 11. Scott Guenthner, $117,032; 12. Nick Guy, $110,878; 13. Rowdy Parrott, $110,550; 14. Chason Floyd, $109,453; 15. Ryle Smith, $103,463.

 

Team roping: 1. Dustin Egusquiza/Kory Koontz, 3.5 seconds, $26,231 each; 2. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 3.8, $20,731; 3. Charly Crawford/Joseph Harrison, 4.4, $15,654; 4. (tie) Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira and Luke Brown/Jake Long, 4.7, $8,885 each; 6. Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, 5.0, $4,231; 7. Chad Masters/Travis Graves, 5.2; 8. Dustin Bird/Russell Cardoza, 9.5; 9. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 9.7; 10. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 14.2; 11. Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens, 15.3; 12. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill, Tom Richards/Jeremy Buhler and Garrett Rogers/Jake Minor, NT. Average standings: 1. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 41.4 seconds on seven head; 2. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 43.1; 3. Chad Masters/Travis Graves, 46.1; 4. Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, 31.8 on six; 5. Luke Brown/Jake Long, 32.1; 6. Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens, 43.9. World standings: (headers) 1. Kaleb Driggers, $196,086; 2. Erich Rogers, $190,744; 3. Luke Brown, $186,977; 4. Clay Smith, $176,825; 5. Riley Minor, $161,798; 6. Jr. Dees, $149,887; 7. Dustin Egusquiza, $148,148; 8. Charly Crawford, $133,706; 9. Clay Tryan, $130,518; 10. Coleman Proctor, $121,360; 11. Dustin Bird, $114,519; 12. Cody Snow, $112,716; 13. Chad Masters, $110,739; 14. Tom Richards, $104,742; 15. Garrett Rogers, $102,607. (heelers) 1. Junior Nogueira, $196,816; 2. Cory Petska, $190,744; 3. Paul Eaves, $180,942; 4. Jake Long, $178,448; 5. Brady Minor, $161,798; 6. Tyler McKnight, $150,297; 7. Kory Koontz, $145,364; 8. Joseph Harrison, $137,947; 9. Russell Cardoza, $136,004; 10. Billie Jack Saebens, $134,257; 11. Jade Corkill, $130,518; 12. Travis Graves, $117,649; 13. Wesley Thorp, $114,317; 14. Jake Minor, $102,607; 15. Jeremy Buhler, $91,333.

 

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Hardy Braden, 88 points on Hi Lo ProRodeo’s Garden City Gal, $26,231; 2. Ryder Wright, 86.5, $20,731; 3. CoBurn Bradshaw, 85.5, $15,654; 4. Layton Green, 83, $11,000; 5. Jacobs Crawley, 81, $6,769; 6. (tie) Cody DeMoss and Brody Cress, 80, $2,115 each; 8. Taos Muncy, 79.5; 9. (tie) Audy Reed and Jesse Wright, 79 each; 11. Zeke Thurston, 75.5; 12. Sterling Crawley, 75; 13. Jake Wright, 66.5; 14. Heith DeMoss and Clay Elliott, NS. Average standings: 1. Brody Cress, 586.5 points on seven head; 2. CoBurn Bradshaw, 584; 3. Sterling Crawley, 577; 4. Audy Reed, 559; 5. Ryder Wright, 523.5 on six; 6. Hardy Braden, 512. World standings: 1. Jacobs Crawley, $226,927; 2. Ryder Wright, $221,054; 3. CoBurn Bradshaw, $202,231; 4. Zeke Thurston, $199,917; 5. Brody Cress, $190,690; 6. Hardy Braden, $186,177; 7. Sterling Crawley, $163,069; 8. Layton Green, $156,292; 9. Cody DeMoss, $153,772; 10. Heith DeMoss, $125,338; 11. Taos Muncy, $116,171; 12. Jesse Wright, $109,053; 13. Jake Wright, $107,527; 14. Audy Reed, $104,687; 15. Clay Elliott, $99,332.

 

Tie-down roping: 1. Randall Carlisle, 7.5 seconds, $26,231; 2. Tuf Cooper, 8.0, $20,731; 3. Marcos Costa, 8.3, $15,654; 4. Cade Swor, 9.6, $11,000; 5. J.C. Malone, 9.7, $6,769; 6. Timber Moore, 11.3, $4,231; 7. Ryan Jarrett, 11.5; 8. Matt Shiozawa, 13.4; 9. Tyson Durfey, 14.3; 10. Shane Hanchey, 16.7; 11. Cory Solomon, 17.9; 12. Trevor Brazile, Caleb Smidt, Marty Yates and Cooper Martin, NT. Average standings: 1. Marcos Costa, 56.6 seconds on seven head; 2. Tuf Cooper, 59.3; 3. Timber Moore, 64.5; 4. J.C. Malone, 67.0; 5. Cade Swor, 68.8; 6. Shane Hanchey, 73.2. World standings: 1. Tuf Cooper, $247,406; 2. Marcos Costa, $212,921; 3. Marty Yates, $180,366; 4. Caleb Smidt, $174,617; 5. Trevor Brazile, $171,510; 6. Cade Swor, $168,017; 7. Shane Hanchey, $154,383; 8. Cooper Martin, $142,400; 9. Timber Moore, $142,077; 10. Ryan Jarrett, $140,748; 11. Randall Carlisle, $130,681; 12. Tyson Durfey, $124,192; 13. J.C. Malone, $120,838; 14. Matt Shiozawa, $114,363; 15. Cory Solomon, $106,210.

 

Barrel racing: 1. Tillar Murray, 13.4 seconds, $26,231; 2. Nellie Miller, 13.52, $20,731; 3. Sydni Blanchard, 13.62, $15,654; 4. Lisa Lockhart, 13.63, $11,000; 5. Kassie Mowry, 13.68, $6,769; 6. Tiany Schuster, 13.7, $4,231; 7. Amberleigh Moore, 13.75; 8. (tie) Taci Bettis and Ivy Conrado, 13.78 each; 10. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 13.79; 11. Kellie Collier, 13.85; 12. Stevi Hillman, 15.18; 13. Hailey Kinsel, 18.54; 14. Kimmie Wall, 18.91; 15. Kathy Grimes, 19.17. Average standings: 1. Ivy Conrado, 96.07 seconds on seven runs; 2. Nellie Miller, 96.08; 3. Lisa Lockhart, 96.43; 4. Tiany Schuster, 97.83; 5. Hailey Kinsel, 99.78; 6. Tillar Murray, 101.31. World standings: 1. Tiany Schuster, $285,339; 2. Hailey Kinsel, $219,130; 3. Nellie Miller, $209,498; 4. Stevi Hillman, $199,619; 5. Amberleigh Moore, $198,922; 6. Kassie Mowry, $173,394; 7. Ivy Conrado, $151,290; 8. Lisa Lockhart, $149,397; 9. Tillar Murray, $144,674; 10. Taci Bettis, $140,446; 11. Kathy Grimes, $139,555; 12. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, $138,327; 13. Sydni Blanchard, $123,785; 14. Kellie Collier, $97,569; 15. Kimmie Wall, $86,294.

 

Bull riding: 1. Joe Frost, 87 points on Wayne Vold Rodeo’s Heavens Basement, $26,231; 2. Ty Wallace, 86.5, $20,731; 3. Roscoe Jarboe, 84, $15,654; 4. (tie) Jordan Hansen and Guthrie Murray, 83, $8,885 each; 6. Jordan Spears, 82.5, $4,231; 7. Sage Kimzey, 81.5; 8. Garrett Smith, 80; 9. Trey Benton III, Tim Bingham, Cole Melancon, Dustin Bowen and Trevor Reiste, Brennon Eldred, Boudreaux Campbell, NS. Average standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, 513.5 points on six head; 2. Trey Benton III, 442.5 on five; 3. Joe Frost, 421.5; 4. Cole Melancon, 340 on four; 5. Ty Wallace, 336; 6. Garrett Smith, 252.5 on three. World standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $340,229; 2. Garrett Smith, $253,797; 3. Trey Benton III, $236,747; 4. Ty Wallace, $236,391; 5. Joe Frost, $217,835; 6. Cole Melancon, $177,504; 7. Jordan Spears, $162,154; 8. Roscoe Jarboe, $156,855; 9. Jordan Hansen, $134,814; 10. Tim Bingham, $129,515; 11. Trevor Reiste, $107,121; 12. Guthrie Murray, $106,172; 13. Dustin Bowen, $104,668; 14. Brennon Eldred, $102,991; 15. Boudreaux Campbell, $102,294.

 

All-around world standings: 1. Trevor Brazile, $313,837; 2. Tuf Cooper, $286,983; 3. Junior Nogueira, $198,537; 4. Erich Rogers, $185,796; 5. Caleb Smidt, $184,414; 6. Marty Yates, $172,476; 7. Dakota Eldridge, $167,226; 8. Ryle Smith, $150,876; 9. Russell Cardoza, $149,026.

LAS VEGAS – Trey Benton III continues to be the talk of the bull riding competition.

Benton became the first competitor across any event to win three rounds at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER in 2017 after scoring 92.5 points on Rocky Mountain Rodeo’s Bomb Pop at the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

The win gives him $115,346 won at the 2017 WNFR, the second most of any competitor.

He’s first in the bull riding average with 442.5 points on five head and third in the WEATHER GUARD® PRCA World Standings with $236,747.

Benton trails three-time defending World Champion Sage Kimzey, who placed second on Tuesday and has $340,229.

“I have a plan in my head, and I hope to go out there and show it,” Benton said. “I’m planning on winning every round the rest of the way, and if I do that, my plan will work. I know what needs to be done.”

Benton also won Rounds 1 and 4. He has covered every bull except the one he faced in the fifth round. He has also placed third in one round and fourth in the other.

Benton had not ridden Bomb Pop, but was familiar with the bull. He watched good friend Cody Teel ride the bull for 89 points at Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days in July.

“Cody and I were actually up in the same set that day in Cheyenne, so I pulled his bull rope and watched the ride up close,” Benton said. “I remember that ride like it was yesterday, and it was awesome. Cody rode the mess out of that bull, and seeing my buddy get on him that day really helped me be prepared for my ride tonight.”

 

Ryder Wright notches second round win in saddle bronc riding

At age 19, Ryder Wright will be back plenty of times to the WNFR. And at the pace he’s on, he likely to set plenty of records.

Wright won the saddle bronc riding for the second time at the 2017 WNFR with a score of 89 points on The Cervi Brothers Rodeo’s 2 Cookies, giving him his seventh career round win in 16 rounds at the WNFR, a winning percentage of 43.8 percent.

“Just lucky I guess, I draw pretty good and I don’t know that I’ve ever drawn bad here,” Wright said. “I try to just do my own thing and let the other riders do theirs.”

The win gives Wright his second round win in his last three rides and puts him over the $100,000 mark for the 2017 Finals. It also has him in second place in the world standings.

“It definitely helps and gets you fired up and there’s no way to explain the feeling,” Wright said. “There’s nothing better than winning at the Thomas and Mack. I’ve wanted to ride at this rodeo my whole life, and to be here and fortunate to draw good horses and ride good is just awesome.”

Wright got the win on a re-ride. Waiting to get on 2 Cookies, he used his time to prepare mentally.

“You don’t want to think about it too much and psych yourself out,” Wright said. “I wanted to keep my cool and I had every move and jump figured out before I nodded my head.”

Jacobs Crawley continues to reign at the top of the world standings, perched atop the chart with $220,158. Wright is behind by less than $20,000.

 

Yates making run at average with back-to-back round wins

Marty Yates is making a run.

A night after winning in 7.0 seconds, Yates was even better, winning the tie-down roping by tying a Round 6 record in 6.9 seconds.

After coming into this year’s WNFR in seventh place in the world standings, Yates has climbed to third place with $83,192 won at the Finals for a total of $180,366.

“When I found out the calf I had tonight, I knew it was going to be good,” Yates said. “I just stuck to my game plan and I didn’t back off and kept going forward. I got an amazing start. Sometimes when you’re here and you come through that barrier you don’t know whether you are for sure out or not and that’s when you make the fastest runs. Everything came together tonight, and it felt awesome. I knew if I just did my job, I was going to win the round.”

Yates tied the round record he set in 2014 with Matt Shiozawa that same year.

“When you make those kinds of runs, everything has to go perfect and it did just that tonight. I don’t care if you’re 6.5 or 6.9, everything has to go perfect,” the Texas cowboy said. “When you’re out here doing good, there’s not a better feeling in the world, and I’m just looking forward to the remaining rounds and hoping that everything goes my way.”

Tuf Cooper is still at the top of the tie-down roping standings with $226,675.

 

Vezain, Biglow split bareback riding win

It was a pair of firsts for co-winners J.R. Vezain and Clayton Biglow in the bareback riding competition.

Vezain scored 88 points on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Scarlet Belle, while Biglow scored 88 on Frontier Rodeo’s Night Fist.

For Vezain, it was just his second win in five trips to the WNFR. But it was his first victory lap he’d ever taken, since his first win came in the 10th round of the 2012 WNFR.

“I’ve been here five times and I’ve only won one round so far in five years,” Vezain said. “And the round I did win was the 10th round, and the average winner gets to take the victory lap that time. So, I had never gotten to take the victory lap yet. It’s amazing, it’s awesome.”

Biglow, who entered the WNFR in third place in the world standings, had yet to place through the first five rounds.

“No, I wasn’t upset with my riding,” Biglow said. “I just couldn’t get the ball rolling. I was never upset with myself and you never want to do that because you start fighting with your head, and that’s bad to do here. I just put all the nights behind me and come in with a fresh mind like it’s the first round. Do your job.”

Tim O’Connell, the world standings leader, is atop the competition with $271,570.

 

Horse change helps Roche win steer wrestling

The first five rounds hadn’t gone according to plan for steer wrestler Baylor Roche.

But Roche changed that script by switching horses to ride Maverick, resulting in winning Round 6 in 3.6 seconds on Tuesday night.

“This week had been slow,” said Roche, who is in fifth place in the world standings. “Now by getting this win, there’s some pressure off me. I’ve been here three times and I don’t feel like I’ve done what I was supposed to do. So, this feels good to get something rolling and I still have four rounds left. I’m just going to keep the pressure up and try and win all the remaining rounds.”

Roche changed horses and it seemed to pay dividends immediately.

“I was riding Tom Lewis’ horse, Maverick,” Roche said. “This is Maverick’s first time to the Thomas & Mack and he sure shined. I was riding Hunter Cure’s horse, Charlie, and that’s an amazing horse and he just wasn’t working for me here, so I just needed to try something else.”

Tanner Milan rode Maverick to wins in Rounds 2 and 5 this year.

World standings leader Ty Erickson took second place on Tuesday to pad his lead and up his season earnings to $230,267.

 

Split for first in team roping with Minor/Minor, Snow/Thorp

Team ropers Riley Minor and Brady Minor tied with Cody Snow and Wesley Thorp to stop the clock in 3.7 seconds and tie for the second-fastest Round 6 time ever.

For the Minors, it’s another consistent performance. They’ve caught all six steers through the first six rounds to sit second in the race for the average title. They are sixth in the world standings in their respective events.

“It’s a longshot, but we have to win the go-rounds for a chance at the end, but we’re here to win as much money as possible, and there are still quite a few rounds,” heeler Brady Minor said. “The average plays a part, but there’s big money at the end if we can knock a few more down.”

Header Riley Minor isn’t trying to push too hard.

“I’m trying to be smart and take a good shot,” Riley Minor said. “Horses feel pretty good, and when it gets fast, sometimes you try to go too fast and make mistakes, so I try to tell myself to just slow down and be fast.”

For Snow and Thorp, the win marked their first placing of the WNFR.

“It feels good to win some money, and especially to win the round,” said Snow, the header. “It feels pretty awesome.”

Heeler Thorp said they are staying on task.

“We had a couple fluke deals that happened the first few rounds,” Thorp said. “We had to try to look over it. I mean, as frustrating as it was, we just want to stick to the game plan. It made us loosen up a little bit because we had nothing to lose.”

Erich Rogers leads the team roping heading standings with $190,744, while Cory Petska leads the team roping heeling standings with $190,744. They tied with Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira and the team of Garrett Rogers and Jake Minor for a three-way split of fifth and six place.

 

Kinsel gains more ground in world title chase

In six rounds, barrel racer Hailey Kinsel has yet to finish worse than fourth.

On Tuesday, Kinsel notched her second round win of the Finals, finishing in 13.49 seconds and adding to her already impressive total of the 2017 WNFR.

“There are a lot of good runs out there,” Kinsel said. “I didn’t have a lot of expectation coming into the NFR and our game plan is to take one run at a time. This is just like 10 separate rodeos for me.”

Kinsel has won two of the last four rounds, placed third three times and took fourth in Round 4. She has won $120,423, putting her on top of the RAM Top Gun Award standings. She’s also second in the world standings with $219,130.

“I don’t keep track of numbers at all,” Kinsel said. “As far as I’m concerned, those last six runs haven’t happened, and I just have four more runs left to go this week.”

Tiany Schuster continues to lead the world standings with $281,108.

 

Brazile remains in lead for all-around buckle

Trevor Brazile continues to lead all cowboys in the race for the all-around title.

Brazile is on top with $313,837, while his brother-in-law, Tuf Cooper, is second with $266,253.

 

 

Sixth Performance Results, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017

 

Bareback riding: 1. (tie) Clayton Biglow on Frontier Rodeo’s Night Fist and J.R. Vezain on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Scarlet Belle, 88 points, $23,481 each; 3. Orin Larsen, 85.5, $15,654; 4. Jake Vold, 85, $11,000; 5. Tanner Aus, 84, $5,500; 6. Richmond Champion, 84, $5,500; 7. (tie) Tim O’Connell and Caleb Bennett, 81.5 each; 9. (tie) R.C. Landingham and Ty Breuer, 77 each; 11. Steven Dent, 73.5; 12. Wyatt Denny, 72.5; 13. (tie) Bill Tutor and Mason Clements, 70.0 each; 15. Jake Brown, NS. Average standings: 1. Jake Vold, 515 points on six head; 2. Richmond Champion, 514; 3. Tim O’Connell, 512.5; 4. Caleb Bennett, 507.5; 5. Orin Larsen, 503.5; 6. J.R. Vezain, 503. World standings: 1. Tim O’Connell, $271,570; 2. Richmond Champion, $178,819; 3. Jake Vold, $178,372; 4. Tanner Aus, $175,638; 5. Orin Larsen, $171,009; 6. Clayton Biglow, $161,634; 7. J.R. Vezain, $159,062; 8. Caleb Bennett, $147,703; 9. Wyatt Denny, $140,084; 10. Mason Clements, $135,672; 11. Bill Tutor, $132,834; 12. Ty Breuer, $125,337; 13. Jake Brown, $119,982; 14. Steven Dent, $109,998; 15. R.C. Landingham, $106,031.

 

Steer wrestling: 1. Baylor Roche, 3.6 seconds, $26,231; 2. Ty Erickson, 3.8, $20,731; 3. (tie) Dakota Eldridge, Tyler Waguespack and Nick Guy, 3.9, $11,141 each; 6. Tanner Milan, 4.0, $4,231; 7. Jon Ragatz, 4.1; 8. J.D. Struxness, 4.3; 9. Olin Hannum, 4.4; 10. Rowdy Parrott, 5.2; 11. Kyle Irwin, 6.2; 12. Tyler Pearson, 6.3; 13. Chason Floyd, 9.5; 14. Scott Guenthner, 13.8; 15. Ryle Smith, NT. Average standings: 1. Ty Erickson, 25.9 seconds on six head; 2. Tyler Pearson, 27.1; 3. Tanner Milan, 27.2; 4. (tie) Nick Guy and Kyle Irwin, 28.9 each; 6. Rowdy Parrott, 29.2. World standings: 1. Ty Erickson, $230,267; 2. Tyler Pearson, $192,688; 3. Tyler Waguespack, $185,162; 4. Tanner Milan, $150,766; 5. Baylor Roche, $144,455; 6. J.D. Struxness, $131,203; 7. Kyle Irwin, $129,242; 8. Olin Hannum, $125,182; 9. Dakota Eldridge, $117,775; 10. Jon Ragatz, $117,082; 11. Scott Guenthner, $117,032; 12. Nick Guy, $110,878; 13. Chason Floyd, 109,453; 14. Ryle Smith, $103,463; 15. Rowdy Parrott, $99,550.

 

Team roping: 1. (tie) Riley Minor/Brady Minor and Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 3.7 seconds, $23,481 each; 3. Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill, 3.8, $15,654; 4. Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, 3.9, $11,000; 5. (tie) Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, Erich Rogers/Cory Petska and Garrett Rogers/ Jake Minor, 4.1, $3,667 each; 8. Charly Crawford/Joseph Harrison, 4.3; 9. Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens, 4.7; 10. Dustin Egusquiza/Kory Koontz, 4.9; 11. Luke Brown/Jake Long, 5.0; 12. Chad Masters/Travis Graves, 6.2; 13. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, 12.5; 14. Dustin Bird/Russell Cardoza,  NT; 14. Tom Richards/Jeremy Buhler, NT. Average standings: 1. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 31.7 seconds on six head; 2. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 39.3; 3. Chad Masters/Travis Graves, 40.9; 4. Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, 26.8 on five head; 5. Luke Brown/Jake Long, 27.4; 6. Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens, 28.6. World standings: (headers) 1. Erich Rogers, $190,744; 2. Kaleb Driggers, $187,202; 3. Luke Brown, $178,092; 4. Clay Smith, $176,825; 5. Jr. Dees, $145,656; 6. Riley Minor, $141,068; 7. Clay Tryan, $130,518; 8. Dustin Egusquiza, $121,918; 9. Coleman Proctor, $121,360; 10. Charly Crawford, $118,052; 11. Dustin Bird, $114,519; 12. Cody Snow, $112,716; 13. Chad Masters, $110,739; 14. Tom Richards, $104,742; 15. Garrett Rogers, $102,607. (heelers) 1. Cory Petska, $190,744; 2. Junior Nogueira, $187,931; 3. Paul Eaves, $180,942; 4. Jake Long, $169,563; 5. Tyler McKnight, $146,066; 6. Brady Minor, $141,068; 7. Russell Cardoza, $136,004; 8. Billie Jack Saebens, $134,257; 9. Jade Corkill, $130,518; 10. Joseph Harrison, $122,293; 11. Kory Koontz, $119,133; 12. Travis Graves, $117,649; 13. Wesley Thorp, $114,317; 14. Jake Minor, $102,607; 15. Jeremy Buhler, $91,332.

 

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Ryder Wright, 89 points on The Cervi Brothers Rodeo’s 2 Cookies, $26,231; 2. Brody Cress, 88.5, $20,731; 3. Jesse Wright, 86, $15,654; 4. (tie) Layton Green and Sterling Crawley, 85.5, $8,885 each; 6. Heith DeMoss, 84.5, $4,231; 7. (tie) Jacobs Crawley, Zeke Thurston and Clay Elliot, 83.5 each; 10. (tie) Hardy Braden and Taos Muncy, 81.5 each; 12. Cody DeMoss, 78; 13. CoBurn Bradshaw, 77; 14. Jake Wright, 75.5; 15. Audy Reed, 72. Average standings: 1. Brody Cress, 506.5 points on six head; 2. Sterling Crawley, 502; 3. CoBurn Bradshaw, 498.5; 4. Audy Reed, 480; 5. Ryder Wright, 437 on five; 6. Hardy Braden, 424. World standings: 1. Jacobs Crawley, $220,158; 2. Ryder Wright, $200,323; 3. Zeke Thurston, $199,917; 4. Brody Cress, $188,575; 5. CoBurn Bradshaw, $186,577; 6. Sterling Crawley, $163,069; 7. Hardy Braden, $159,947; 8. Cody DeMoss, $151,657; 9. Layton Green, $145,292; 10. Heith DeMoss, $125,338; 11. Taos Muncy, $116,171; 12. Jesse Wright, $109,053; 13. Jake Wright, $107,527; 14. Audy Reed, $104,687; 15. Clay Elliott, $99,332.

 

Tie-down roping: 1. Marty Yates, 6.9 seconds, $26,231; 2. (tie) Caleb Smidt and Marcos Costa,7.4, $18,192 each; 4. Cade Swor, 7.7, $11,000; 5. Timber Moore, 7.9, $6,769; 6. Ryan Jarrett, 8.0, $4,231; 7. Cory Solomon, 8.2; 8. Tuf Cooper, 8.4; 9. Randall Carlisle, 8.6; 10. J.C. Malone, 9.8; 11. Cooper Martin, 10.1; 12. Shane Hanchey, 10.3; 13. Trevor Brazile, Tyson Durfey and Matt Shiozawa, NT. Average standings: 1. Marcos Costa, 48.3 seconds on six head; 2. Tuf Cooper, 51.3; 3. Timber Moore, 53.2; 4. Cory Solomon, 55.5; 5. Shane Hanchey, 56.5; 6. J.C. Malone, 57.3. World standings: 1. Tuf Cooper, $226,675; 2. Marcos Costa, $197,267; 3. Marty Yates, $180,366; 4. Caleb Smidt, $174,617; 5. Trevor Brazile, $171,510; 6. Cade Swor, $157,017; 7. Shane Hanchey, $154,383; 8. Cooper Martin, $142,400; 9. Ryan Jarrett, $140,748; 10. Timber Moore, $137,846; 11. Tyson Durfey, $124,192; 12. Matt Shiozawa, $114,363; 13. $114,068; 14. Cory Solomon, $106,210; 15. Randall Carlisle, $104,451.

 

Barrel racing: 1. Hailey Kinsel, 13.49 seconds, $26,231; 2. Tiany Schuster, 13.52, $20,731; 3. Tillar Murray, 13.63, $15,654; 4. Taci Bettis, 13.72, $11,000; 5. (tie) Stevi Hillman, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi and Ivy Conrado, 13.74, $3,667 each; 8. Sydni Blanchard, 13.77; 9. Lisa Lockhart, 13.84; 10. Nellie Miller, 13.93; 11. Kassie Mowry, 13.96; 12. Kathy Grimes, 14.15; 13. Amberleigh, 18.73; 14. Kimmie Wall, 19.10; 15. Kellie Collier , 19.50. Average standings: 1. Hailey Kinsel, 81.24 seconds on six runs; 2. Ivy Conrado, 82.29; 3. Nellie Miller, 82.56; 4. Lisa Lockhart, 82.80; 5. Kathy Grimes, 83.39; 6. Tiany Schuster, 84.13. World standings: 1. Tiany Schuster, $281,108; 2. Hailey Kinsel, $219,130; 3. Stevi Hillman, $199,619; 4. Amberleigh Moore, $198,922; 5. Nellie Miller, $188,768; 6. Kassie Mowry, $166,624; 7. Ivy Conrado, $151,290; 8. Taci Bettis, $140,446; 9. Kathy Grimes, $139,555; 10. Lisa Lockhart, $138,397; 11. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, $138,327; 12. Tillar Murray, $118,443; 13. Sydni Blanchard, $108,131; 14. Kellie Collier, $97,569; 15. Kimmie Wall, $86,294.

 

Bull riding: 1. Trey Benton III, 92.5 points on Rocky Mountain Rodeo’s Bomb Pop, $27,077; 2. Sage Kimzey, 86, $21,577; 3. Jordan Hansen, 84.5, $16,500; 4. Cole Melancon, 83.5, $11,846; 5. Roscoe Jarboe, 71, $7,615; 6. (tie) Garrett Smith, Joe Frost, Ty Wallace, Tim Bingham, Jordan Spears, Dustin Bowen, Trevor Reiste, Guthrie Murray and Boudreaux Campbell, NS, *Brennon Eldred (sidelined with a concussion). Average standings: 1. Trey Benton III, 442.5 points on five head; 2. Sage Kimzey, 432; 3. Cole Melancon, 340 on four; 4. Joe Frost, 334.5; 5. Ty Wallace, 249.5 points on three head; 6. Garrett Smith, 172.5 points on two. World standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $340,229; 2. Garrett Smith, $253,797; 3. Trey Benton III, $236,747; 4. Ty Wallace, $215,660; 5. Joe Frost, $191,604; 6. Cole Melancon, $177,504; 7. Jordan Spears, $157,923; 8. Roscoe Jarboe, $141,201; 9. Tim Bingham, $129,515; 10. Jordan Hansen, $125,929; 11. Trevor Reiste, $107,121; 12. Dustin Bowen, $104,668; 13. Brennon Eldred, $102,991; 14. Boudreaux Campbell, $102,294; 15. Guthrie Murray, $97,288.

 

All-around world standings: 1. Trevor Brazile, $313,837; 2. Tuf Cooper, $266,253; 3. Junior Nogueira, $189,654; 4. Erich Rogers, $185,796; 5. Caleb Smidt, $184,414; 6. Marty Yates, $172,476; 7. Ryle Smith, $150,876; 8. Russell Cardoza, $149,026; 9. Dakota Eldridge, $140,995.

 

LAS VEGAS – Team ropers Erich Rogers and Cory Petska tried to remain consistent throughout the first four rounds of the Wrangler Nationals Final Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER.

On Monday night, they punctuated that consistent run by tying for first place in the team roping competition with Clay Tryan and Jade Corkill in 3.9 seconds at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The win moved Rogers into first place in the team roping header standings and Petska into the same spot in the team roping heeler standings, the first changing of leaders in the WEATHER GUARD® PRCA World Standings at the 2017 WNFR.

“Good horses and drawing good steers,” Rogers said. “That’s what we do. That’s what Cory and my run is. We make good runs and we try to make sure we don’t make any mistakes, so that’s how we like to do it.”

For Tryan and Corkill, it was their first time placing this WNFR.

“It always feels good to get off the schneid,” Tryan said. “When you win here, if you can win first, it adds up, so I feel pretty good now. My roping feels a little bit better, I was a little off at the beginning of the week, but the last two I turned ’em good.”

Tryan and Corkill knew to push their slow start aside and refocus.

“Everything happens so fast here,” Corkill said. “You’re kind of in that mode either way. Whether you win the average or not, there’s too much money here not to try to win something.”

Rogers and Petska are trying to keep roping like they do at any rodeo.

“We make that run all the time,” Petska said. “Here, anywhere else we go, we pretty much have our run and we stick to it no matter where we’re at or what the setting is. We’re comfortable doing it and it makes it what’s easiest for us.”

Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira, who entered the WNFR in first, are both second place in their respective events.

 

Sterling Crawley notches first WNFR round win

In four-plus trips to the WNFR, Sterling Crawley had yet to win a round.

He snapped that streak in Round 5 on Monday night.

Crawley scored 89 points on four-time Saddle Bronc of the Year award-winner Frontier Rodeo’s Medicine Woman.

The score was Crawley’s highest of his 35 rides at the WNFR.

“I drew really good and stuck to the basics and kept it simple – just let my mark-out come instead of hanging and then lifting on my rein,” he said, “and she wants your feet in the seat so it’s all the stuff you go over the first couple days of rodeo school.”

For Crawley, the win carried a little extra meaning.

“It’s just awesome, but it’s even cooler that my brother (Jacobs) won this round on this horse last year,” Sterling Crawley said. “We agreed on what it was, and to not make it complicated out here.”

Sterling Crawley is sitting third in the average and seventh in the world standings.

“I was just happy the way it went with the history we had (with Medicine Woman), and tomorrow will be another horse and another story, and I’ll try to do my best on each one.”

Jacobs Crawley continues to lead the field in the world standings with $220,158.

 

Kimzey cashes in with 89-point bull ride

After seeing just three bull riders cover a night earlier and earn some big checks, three-time defending World Champion Sage Kimzey got right back into the action.

Kimzey, on the final bull ride of the night, scored 89 points on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Record Rack’s Shootin’ Stars.

“Each year is different because there’s the same trials and tribulations,” Kimzey said. “Round 4 was rough, but getting the win tonight stretches the lead a bit and maybe I’ll get some sleep tonight. It’s great bulls, great guys and a ton of money up for grabs – so you’ve got to do your job when you put your hand in your rope.”

Kimzey netted $27,077 after only five riders placed. The win gives him $318,652 and has him in the lead of his closest competitor (Garrett Smith) by more than $60,000.

Kimzey watched Cole Melancon ride Rafter G Rodeo’s Johnny Cash for 86.5 points on the second ride of the round. It looked like it might hold up until Kimzey climbed on board.

“Cole (Melancon) was 86.5, and coming down to the last few guys the pressure starts building, but you have to block it out because you are getting on an 1,800-pound athlete,” Kimzey said. “There’s no gimmes in bull riding, so just block it out and compete to the best of your ability.”

Kimzey knows he’s not out of the woods yet.

“I’m feeling good, but I feel bad that Garrett (Smith) got hurt,” Kimzey said. “I know he’s not at 100 percent, it’s not good for him or the sport of bull riding, but there’s a bunch of dark horses behind him like Trey (Benton III) and Ty (Wallace) and they are all riding good and will keep riding good.”

 

WNFR rookie Mason Clements wins first round win

Bareback rider Mason Clements is at the WNFR for the first time. The 25-year-old Utah cowboy who grew up in Las Vegas had dreamed of competing in the Thomas & Mack.

Not only has that dream become reality, but now Clements has his first round victory.

Clements rode Korkow Rodeos’ Onion Ring for 88.5 points, winning Round 5 and a check for $26,231.

“Man, I’ve been dreaming of that, replaying every scenario over in my head just to be at the Thomas & Mack and making sure I’ve got everything perfect – exactly the way I want to ride, exactly the way I need to ride,” Clements said. “There’s a lot going on. You can’t let your nerves and your fears get you when you get to this point. … Seriously, when I asked my buddies and friends, ‘What’s it like to get to the NFR – from world champions to multiple qualifiers – they said, ‘It’s indescribable.’ I have that indescribable feeling now. It’s the coolest feeling right now.”

With the win, Clements has upped his season earnings to $135,672, putting him ninth in the world standings.

World standings leader Tim O’Connell is atop the standings with $271,570.

 

Steer wrestler Milan nabs second round win of 2017

After not winning a round in 2015 – the last time he reached the WNFR – Tanner Milan doubled his steer wrestling round wins in Round 5.

Milan won the steer wrestling competition in the fifth round in 3.8 seconds, giving him $62,462 at the 2017 WNFR.

“In 2015, I didn’t win a round when I was here at the NFR, so this feels absolutely awesome,” said the Canadian cowboy. “I’ve won a crazy amount of money here, and I can’t have a better feeling than I’m feeling right now.”

Milan came into the WNFR in eighth place, but has climbed to fourth in the world standings with $146,535.

“I can’t back off at all,” Milan said. “I have to keep taking a real good start at the barrier and try and catch up as fast as I can and throw them down as fast as I can.”

After the draw was posted Monday morning, Milan knew he would have a chance to win a check because the steer he drew was the same one Tyler Pearson had wrestled in 4.0 seconds in Round 2.

“I was really happy with that draw,” Milan said. “Tyler Pearson made a really good run on that steer and the steer didn’t run quite as hard as some of them in the pen, and I knew if I could get the start I would catch up quick and give myself some time to get one thrown down.”

Standings leader Ty Erickson is still out front after his fifth-place finish. He’s holding the lead for the world title with $209,537.

 

It’s lucky No. 7 for Yates

Marty Yates won six rounds over the course of his first three WNFR trips, but had yet to win through the first four rounds of the 2017 WNFR.

He thought his luck might change on Monday. His premonition was right.

Yates won Round 5 of the tie-down roping in 7.0 seconds.

“You come to Vegas and you can have some bad luck, but if you stick to what you know how to do, it will all turn out good,” Yates said. “I was a little down about it (not winning a round before Monday night), but I knew I had a really good calf tonight that he (Trevor Brazile) won Round 2 with, and things turned around for me.”

Yates turned to a familiar horse to ride at this WNFR.

“I’m riding Buster,” the Texas cowboy said. “This is the horse I rode here last year, and he worked great tonight. The best part about my run was the start that I got. They won a round on that calf, but she was known to jump at you when you got to her, and I got a great start at her and got her to come around, and she was a little easier for me to flank when I got to her.”

He also tried something a little different in Round 5.

“I wanted to come out here this year and get a check in the average, and I backed off the first couple of nights and I came out tonight and I knew I made a good run,” Yates said. “I got a great start, and when you get a good start, it ends up good for you.”

As he’s been since the end of the regular season, Tuf Cooper is still at the top of the tie-down roping standings, increasing his 2017 total to $226,675 after placing second Monday.

 

Conrado, Lockhart split barrel racing title

Ivy Conrado shared the spotlight on Monday. She was ecstatic to do that with one of her barrel racing heroes.

Conrado and Lisa Lockhart split the Round 5 win, as both finished in 16.59 seconds.

“I never would have dreamed I’d be back here (as a round winner) with Lisa Lockhart,” Conrado said. “She’s everybody’s hero. I don’t even know what to say, I’m so excited.”

Lockhart and Conrado each took home $23,481. Both of them are in the top five in the aggregate standings, with Conrado sitting second and Lockhart fourth.

“We were definitely trying to capitalize that we were on the top of the ground,” Lockhart said. “Louie has gotten stronger and stronger all week, and that is what he has done in the past. So, I was trying not to panic earlier in the week, so we just stuck with it and had faith that it was going to get stronger, and he finally has.”

Tiany Schuster is still sitting at the top of the standings with $260,378.

Hailey Kinsel finished third to cash a check for $15,654. The money moved Kinsel into first place in the race for the RAM Top Gun Award.

 

Cooper cuts into Brazile’s all-around lead

The battle between brothers-in-law continues.

By taking second place in tie-down roping, Tuf Cooper earned $20,731 to inch closer to Trevor Brazile in the race to become the 2017 all-around cowboy.

Brazile is still in the lead with $313,837. Cooper is second with $266,253.

Fifth Performance Results, Monday, Dec. 11, 2017

Bareback riding: 1.Mason Clements, 88.5 points on Korkow Rodeos’ Onion Ring, $26,231; 2. (tie) Caleb Bennett on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Good Time, Richmond Champion on Dirty Jacket and Bill Tutor on Scarlett’s Web, 88, $15,795 each; 5. (tie) J.R. Vezain and Orin Larsen, 87.5, $5,500 each; 7. Clayton Biglow, 86.5; 8. (tie) Tanner Aus and Jake Brown, 86 each; 10. Steven Dent, 85.5; 11. Jake Vold, 85; 12. Tim O’Connell, 83; 13. Ty Breuer, 81.5; 14. Wyatt Denny, 78; 15. R.C. Landingham, NS. Average standings: 1. Tim O’Connell, 431 points on five head, 2. Jake Vold, 430; 2. (tie) Jake Vold and Richmond Champion, 430 each; 4. Caleb Bennett, 426; 5. Orin Larsen, 418; 6. J.R. Vezain, 415. World standings: 1. Tim O’Connell, $271,570; 2. Richmond Champion, $173,319; 3. Tanner Aus, $170,138; 4. Jake Vold, $167,372; 5. Orin Larsen, $155,355; 6. Caleb Bennett, $147,703; 7. Wyatt Denny, $140,084; 8. Clayton Biglow, $138,153; 9. Mason Clements, $135,672; 10. J.R. Vezain, $135,581; 11. Bill Tutor, $132,834; 12. Ty Breuer, $125,337; 13. Jake Brown, $119,982; 14. Steven Dent, $109,998; 15. R.C. Landingham, $106,031.

 

Steer wrestling: 1. Tanner Milan, 3.8 seconds, $26,231; 2. Tyler Waguespack, 3.9, $20,731; 3. Tyler Pearson, 4.0, $15,654; 4. J.D. Struxness, 4.1; 5. Ty Erickson, 4.3, $6,769; 6. Olin Hannum, 4.6, $4,231; 7. Chason Floyd, 4.7; 8. Rowdy Parrott, 4.8; 9. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Nick Guy, 4.9 each; 11. Baylor Roche, 5.0; 12. Kyle Irwin, 6.0; 13. Scott Guenthner, 6.6; 14. Ryle Smith and Jon Ragatz, NT. Average standings: 1. Tyler Pearson, 20.8 seconds on five head; 2. Ty Erickson, 22.1; 3. Kyle Irwin, 22.7; 4. Tanner Milan, 23.2; 5. Rowdy Parrott, 24.0. 6. Nick Guy, 25.0. World standings: 1. Ty Erickson, $209,537; 2. Tyler Pearson, $192,688; 3. Tyler Waguespack, $174,021; 4. Tanner Milan, $146,535; 5. J.D. Struxness, $131,203; 6. Kyle Irwin, $129,242; 7. Olin Hannum, $125,182; 8. Baylor Roche, $118,224; 9. Jon Ragatz, $117,082; 10. Scott Guenthner, $117,032; 11. Chason Floyd, $109,453; 12. Dakota Eldridge, $106,634; 13. Ryle Smith, $103,463; 14. Nick Guy, $99,737; 15. Rowdy Parrott, $99,550.

 

Team roping: 1. (tie) Erich Rogers/Cory Petska and Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill, 3.9 seconds, $23,481 each; 3. (tie) Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens and Tom Richards/Jeremy Buhler, 4.0, $13,327 each; 5. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 4.6, $6,769; 6. Charly Crawford/Joseph Harrison, 4.7, $4,231; 7. Garrett Rogers/Jake Minor, 9.0; 8. Chad Masters/Travis Graves, 9.2, 9. Dustin Bird/Russell Cardoza, 9.4; 10. Luke Brown/Jake Long, 9.6; 11. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, Dustin Egusquiza/Kory Koontz, NT. Average standings: 1. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 27.6 seconds on five head; 2. Chad Masters/Travis Graves, 34.7; 3. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 35.6; 4. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, 18.4 on four head; 5. Luke Brown/Jake Long, 22.4; 6. Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, 22.9. World standings: (headers) 1. Erich Rogers, $187,077; 2. Kaleb Driggers, $183,535; 3. Luke Brown, $178,092; 4. Clay Smith, $176,825; 5. Jr. Dees, $134,656; 6. Dustin Egusquiza, $121,918; 7. Coleman Proctor, $121,360; 8. Charly Crawford, $118,052; 9. Riley Minor, $117,587; 10. Clay Tryan, $114,864; 11. Dustin Bird, $114,519; 12. Chad Masters, $110,739; 13. Tom Richards, $104,742; 14. Garrett Rogers, $98,940. 15. Cody Snow, $89,236; (heelers) 1. Cory Petska, $187,077; 2. Junior Nogueira, $184,265; 3. Paul Eaves, $180,942; 4. Jake Long, $169,563; 5. Russell Cardoza, $136,004; 6. Tyler McKnight, $135,066; 7. Billie Jack Saebens, $134,257; 8. Joseph Harrison, $122,293; 9. Kory Koontz, $119,133; 10. Travis Graves, $117,649; 11. Brady Minor, $117,587; 12. Jade Corkill, $114,864; 13. Jake Minor, $98,940; 14. Jeremy Buhler, $91,333; 15. Wesley Thorp, $90,836.

 

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Sterling Crawley, 89 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Medicine Woman, $26,231; 2. (tie) Zeke Thurston, Brody Cress and Layton Green, 87.5, $15,795 each; 5. Jesse Wright, 86.5, $6,769; 6. (tie) Hardy Braden and Ryder Wright, 85.5, $2,115 each; 8. Heith DeMoss, 85; 9. (tie) Jacobs Crawley and CoBurn Bradshaw, 84 each; 11. Audy Reed, 83; 12. Clay Elliott, 80.5; 13. Cody DeMoss, Jake Wright and Taos Muncy, NS. Average standings: 1. CoBurn Bradshaw, 421.5 points on five head; 2. Brody Cress, 418; 3. Sterling Crawley, 416.5; 4. Audy Reed, 408; 5. Ryder Wright, 348 points on four head, 6. Hardy Braden, 342.5. World standings: 1. Jacobs Crawley, $220,158; 2. Zeke Thurston, $199,917; 3. CoBurn Bradshaw, $186,577; 4. Ryder Wright, $174,092; 5. Brody Cress, $167,844; 6. Hardy Braden, $159,947; 7. Sterling Crawley, $154,184; 8. Cody DeMoss, $151,657; 9. Layton Green, $136,407; 10. Heith DeMoss, $121,107; 11. Taos Muncy, $116,171; 12. Jake Wright, $107,527; 13. Audy Reed, $104,687; 14. Clay Elliott, $99,331; 15. Jesse Wright, $93,400.

 

Tie-down roping: 1. Marty Yates, 7.0 seconds, $26,231; 2. Tuf Cooper, 7.1, $20,731; 3. (tie) Marcos Costa and Cade Swor, 7.5, $13,327 each; 5. J.C. Malone, 7.8, $6,769; 6. Ryan Jarrett, 8.1, $4,231; 7. Cory Solomon, 8.3; 8. Caleb Smidt, 8.5; 9. (tie) Shane Hanchey and Timber Moore, 9.3 each; 11. Trevor Brazile, 10.4; 12. Tyson Durfey, 11.7; 13. Matt Shiozawa, Randall Carlisle and Cooper Martin, NT. Average standings: 1. Marcos Costa, 40.9 seconds on five head; 2. Trevor Brazile, 42.4; 3. Tuf Cooper, 42.9; 4. Timber Moore, 45.3; 5. Shane Hanchey, 46.2; 6. Cory Solomon, 47.3. World standings: 1. Tuf Cooper, $226,675; 2. Marcos Costa, $179,075; 3. Trevor Brazile, $171,510; 4. Caleb Smidt, $156,425; 5. Shane Hanchey, $154,383; 6. Marty Yates, $154,135; 7. Cade Swor, $146,017; 8. Cooper Martin, $142,340; 9. Ryan Jarrett, $136,517; 10. Timber Moore, $131,077; 11. Tyson Durfey, $124,192; 12. Matt Shiozawa, $114,363; 13. J.C. Malone, $114,068; 14. Cory Solomon, $106,210; 15. Randall Carlisle, $104,451.

 

Barrel racing: 1. (tie) Lisa Lockhart and Ivy Conrado, 13.59 seconds, $23,481 each; 3. Hailey Kinsel, 13.67, $15,654; 4. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 13.68, $11,000; 5. Taci Bettis, 13.74, $6,769; 6. Nellie Miller, 13.75, $4,231; 7. Tillar Murray, 13.88; 8. (tie) Tiany Schuster and Kellie Collier, 13.90 each; 10. Kassie Mowry, 13.93; 11. Stevi Hillman, 14.0; 12. Kathy Grimes, 14.06; 13. Sydni Blanchard, 18.72; 14. Amberleigh Moore, 18.74; 15. Kimmie Wall, 19.04. Average standings: 1. Hailey Kinsel, 67.75 seconds on five runs; 2. Ivy Conrado, 68.55; 3. Nellie Miller, 68.63; 4. Lisa Lockhart, 68.96; 5. Kathy Grimes, 69.24; 6. Tiany Schuster, 70.61. World standings: 1. Tiany Schuster, $260,378; 2. Amberleigh Moore, $198,922; 3. Stevi Hillman, $195,952; 4. Hailey Kinsel, $192,899; 5. Nellie Miller, $188,768; 6. Kassie Mowry, $166,624; 7. Ivy Conrado, $147,623; 8. Kathy Grimes, $139,555; 9. Lisa Lockhart, $138,397; 10. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, $134,660; 11. Taci Bettis, $129,446; 12. Sydni Blanchard, $108,131; 13. Tillar Murray, $102,789; 14. Kellie Collier, $97,569; 15. Kimmie Wall, $86,294.

 

Bull riding: 1. Sage Kimzey, 89 points on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Record Rack’s Shootin’ Stars, $27,077; 2. Cole Melancon, 86.5, $21,577; 3. Jordan Spears, 85.5, $16,500; 4. Ty Wallace, 82.5, $11,846; 5. Joe Frost, 81, $7,615; 6. Garrett Smith, Trey Benton III, Tim Bingham, Dustin Bowen, Jordan Hansen, Roscoe Jarboe, Trevor Reiste, Guthrie Murray, Brennon Eldred and Boudreaux Campbell, NS. Average standings: 1. Trey Benton III, 350 points on four head; 2. Sage Kimzey, 346; 3. Joe Frost, 334.5; 4. Cole Melancon, 256.5 on three head; 5. Ty Wallace, 249.5; 6. Garrett Smith, 172.5 on two head. World standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $318,652; 2. Garrett Smith, $253,797; 3. Ty Wallace, $215,660; 4. Trey Benton III, $209,670; 5. Joe Frost, $191,604; 6. Cole Melancon, $165,658; 7. Jordan Spears, $157,923; 8. Roscoe Jarboe, $133,586; 9. Tim Bingham, $129,515; 10. Jordan Hansen, $109,429; 11. Trevor Reiste, $107,121; 12. Dustin Bowen, $104,668; 13. Brennon Eldred, $102,991; 14. Boudreaux Campbell, $102,294; 15. Guthrie Murray, $97,288.

 

All-around standings: 1. Trevor Brazile, $313,837; 2. Tuf Cooper, $266,253; 3. Junior Nogueira, $185,987; 4. Erich Rogers, $182,130; 5. Caleb Smidt, $166,221; 6. Ryle Smith, $150,876; 7. Russell Cardoza, $149,026; 8. Marty Yates, $146,245; 9. Dakota Eldridge, $129,854.

 

 

LAS VEGAS – Trey Benton III continues to be one of the hottest competitors at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER.

On Sunday, Dec. 10, he made it count in a way no other cowboy has.

The bull rider from Rock Island, Texas, was one of just three to ride to the whistle, doing it to the tune of 87.5 points on Andrews Rodeo’s Mo Money at the Thomas & Mack Center.

And because fewer than six riders placed, the three bull riders split the ground money, with all of it counting toward the WEATHER GUARD® PRCA World Standings.

Benton cashed in for $33,564, the most money anyone has won at a Finals rodeo where it all counted toward the standings.

He’s also leading the bull riding average with 350 points on four head. He’s the only rider to cover all four bulls, so far.

“I’m going to stick with the system I’ve had since it’s working well – I don’t want to change anything,” Benton said. “… It’s just keeping my mindset right, I’ve seen harder days than this. The past three years (at the WNFR), I partied too hard and this year I didn’t – I’m working out and eating right and not listening to outside opinions.”

Sunday was the 29th time in the history of the National Finals Rodeo that just three riders have covered.

Joining Benton in riding to the whistle were Joe Frost (83 points) and Ty Wallace (80.5 points).

Unlike in years past, Benton was healthy heading into this Finals, and it’s making a difference.

“I just kept believing in myself when there was so much doubt,” Benton said. “There’s a reason you’re here, and it sucks when you get high expectations for yourself and they don’t come out as planned.”

Three-time defending world champion and current world leader Sage Kimzey sits atop the standings with $291,576. Garrett Smith is second ($253,797) and Benton, who started the Finals in sixth, is up to third with $209,670.

It was his second win of the Finals. He placed fourth in the second round and third in the third round. His $89,115 won at the WNFR through four rounds has him in front for the RAM Top Gun Award, given to the competitor who wins the most money in one event.

He knows he has a chance to do more.

“It’s good, and I’ve got to finish my job – but I’m not getting excited yet because it’s only the fourth round,” Benton said.

 

Brown/Long tie Egusquiza/Koontz to climb team roping standings

Luke Brown and Jake Long are on a roll.

The team ropers tied Dustin Egusquiza and Kory Koontz with a time of 4.1 seconds to split the first-place win.

Brown entered the team roping header standings in fourth, while Long was fifth in the heeler standings.

Brown has shot up to second place, Long third, in their respective events.

“I feel like I’m on a spaceship right now,” Long said. “I’m feeling a lot better. I had a rough start. If we can make six more good runs, we’ll win a lot more money and we’ll have a good week.”

Brown trails team roping heading leader Kaleb Driggers by about $5,400. Team roping heeling leader Junior Nogueira leads the world standings by about $3,300.

Egusquiza is making his first WNFR appearance. Sunday marked his first WNFR win.

“I’m incredibly excited right now,” said Egusquiza, 22. To be here, to split the round with (Brown and Long), these guys are legends and my partner (Koontz) is one of the greatest legends of all time.”

The 4.1-second time was Egusquiza and Koontz’s best time of the Finals.

“Our game plan really didn’t change much, we just executed what we’d been wanting a lot better tonight,” said Koontz, adding that Egusquiza made a horse change.

Brown and Long are looking to keep climbing.

“It’s outstanding,” Brown said. “It’s a whole ton of money.”

 

Ryder Wright scores 89 points to win saddle bronc riding

At 19 years old, Ryder Wright shows no fear when he steps into the Thomas & Mack. He hides it well.

Wright scored 89 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeos’ Pony Man to win Round 4 of the saddle bronc riding.

Wright won the first four rounds of the WNFR as a rookie last year. This was his first win of this WNFR, giving him $72,615 at the Finals.

“I thought I would be calmer this year, but I was shaking bad in the first round,” Wright said. “The atmosphere and crowd are not anything you’ll get over. You wouldn’t think it would be as different as it is, I’ve been here 13 years watching my dad (Cody) and it’s crazy how different it is to ride here.”

Wright has climbed from eighth in the world standings to start the WNFR to fourth. He’s hoping the win kickstarts the rest of his Finals.

“It definitely helps and gets your motor rolling when you’re winning,” the Utah cowboy said. “I just need to win the next six and let the cards fall where they may.”

A night after winning Round 3, Jacobs Crawley continues to lead in the world standings with $220,158.

 

Breuer notches first WNFR victory

In his third trip to the WNFR, Ty Breuer finally got his first round victory. He made it a memorable one, too.

Breuer won the bareback riding competition by tying the Round 4 record, scoring 90.5 points on Brookman Rodeo’s Risky Business.

Breuer also qualified for the WNFR in 2013 and 2016. But this was his first victory. His previous best was a tie for third last season.

“It means the world,” Breuer said. “My wife and I just had a little girl. It’s just been fun being here.”

Breuer had never been on Risky Business before. So, he called up someone who had to do a little research. It helped.

“I had heard about that horse a couple times this year and got to see it once,” said the 27-year-old from North Dakota. “I saw (Devan) Reilly get on him in the Pendleton (Ore., Round-Up) short round and I called him about it. He said, ‘It’s going to be fun and just let him roll.’”

Breuer did just that, tying him with Will Lowe for the Round 4 record, set in 2004.

“That’s just icing on the cake,” Breuer said. “My whole goal was to, ever since I got here, just to win a round. That’s just icing on the cake and just keep riding.”

In 2016, while on his way to winning the WNFR average and world title, Tim O’Connell placed in eight of the 10 rounds, missing out only in Rounds 6 and 9. Following a re-ride, O’Connell placed fifth and leads the world standings with $271,570, a lead of more than $100,000.

 

Struxness capitalizes with draw to win steer wrestling

When steer wrestler J.D. Struxness saw he’d drawn the same steer for Round 4 that Tyler Waguespack won with in Round 1, he knew he’d had have a good chance to at least place.

Struxness then went out and won the fourth round in 3.6 seconds.

“There’s a little bit of pressure there because they’ve done good with him and you don’t want to be the one who stubs his toe and doesn’t do good on him,” said Struxness, 23. It’s also a relief because you know they have been fast on that steer, so you know it can be done if you go make a good run.”

Last year at the WNFR – his first – Struxness won Rounds 4, 5 and 10, split the win in Round 3 and placed in six rounds.

“I’m riding a good horse, Peso,” Struxness said. “I rode him here last year, and he’s 14 years old. I just bought him last year and he works great out here. I had a good hazer over there, Jacob Shofner, and he does a good job keeping them where they need to be.”

Struxness is sitting in seventh place in the world standings with $120,203. He entered the WNFR in 13th place.

“In this building, it’s the same game plan every night,” he said. “You have to hit that start and make the best run you can with whatever steer you have. It’s a relief (to win a round) because everybody is waiting to bust that ice and win that round, so to be able to do it in the fourth round feels good, and hopefully this will set me up the rest of the week.”

World-standings leader Ty Erickson tied for fourth and remains atop the standings with $202,767.

 

Martin wins first WNFR tie-down roping buckle

In just his fourth round at the WNFR, Cooper Martin won his first career Finals go-round buckle.

Martin won the tie-down roping competition in 7.6 seconds.

He tied for fifth for his first Finals check in Round 3, then came back to win Sunday.

“I can’t even describe what it feels like to win,” said Martin, 20. “Just even riding in the grand entry is incredible. I have been watching these guys rope since I was 7 years old, and to be with them out here roping is just phenomenal. I’ve been roping all fall to try and get ready for this.”

Martin’s winnings (he’s won $56,961 at the WNFR) has him in sixth place in the world standings with $142,400. He opened the Finals in 14th place.

He’s been able to push aside his nerves of the bright lights of Las Vegas.

“I thought I would be more nervous than I have been, but once I got in the building I seemed to relax a little bit because I know I got here for a reason and this has been a blast,” he said.

 

Tuf Cooper is in first place in the world with $205,945.

 

Moore notches fifth buckle

Barrel racer Amberleigh Moore didn’t have the easiest ride. But she didn’t need to, either.

Moore, with one foot out of its stirrup, won Round 4 in 13.56 seconds. She’s in second place in the world standings with $198,922.

“I knew there had been a lot of girls having trouble on the ground, so I came into my first barrel and I went in and sat her (my horse, Paige) and asked her to sit really hard and she did,” Moore said. “Somehow, I managed to blow my inside stirrup, so going across to two I’m fishing for it and I can’t find it, and then I’m going to three and I still can’t find it. I just said, ‘Oh well, sit hard on the third and don’t come off.’”

Her fifth buckle won at the WNFR came on a significant day.

“Today is my daughter’s 26th birthday, so I guess Paige gave her a happy birthday present,” Moore said. “I will give this buckle to her.”

Tiany Schuster, who finished the regular season first, still leads all barrel racers with $260,378.

 

Brazile holding onto all-around title

Trevor Brazile has earned $313,837 over the course of the 2017 season to maintain the lead for the all-around cowboy race.

Brazile has won $70,077 in tie-down roping at the Finals to expand his lead.

 

Fourth Performance Results, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017

 

Bareback riding: 1. Ty Breuer, 90.5 points on Brookman Rodeo’s Risky Business, $26,231; 2. Wyatt Denny, 87, $20,731; 3. Orin Larsen, 86, $15,654; 4. Bill Tutor, 85, $11,000; 5. Tim O’Connell, 84.5, $6,769; 6. (tie) Caleb Bennett and Richmond Champion, 84, $2,115 each; 8. (tie) Jake Vold, Steven Dent and Mason Clements, 83.5 each; 11. (tie) J.R. Vezain and Jake Brown, 81.5 each; 13. (tie) Clayton Biglow and R.C. Landingham, 80 each; 15. Tanner Aus, 77. Average standings: 1. Tim O’Connell, 348 points on four head; 2. Jake Vold, 345; 3. Richmond Champion, 342; 4. Caleb Bennett, 338; 5. Ty Breuer, 332.5; 6. R.C. Landingham, 331. World standings: 1. Tim O’Connell; $271,570; 2. Tanner Aus, $170,138; 3. Jake Vold, $167,372; 4. Richmond Champion, $157,524; 5. Orin Larsen, $149,855; 6. Wyatt Denny, $140,084; 7. Clayton Biglow, $138,153; 8. Caleb Bennett, $131,908; 9. J.R. Vezain, $130,081; 10. Ty Breuer, $125,337; 11. Jake Brown, $119,982; 12. Bill Tutor, $117,039; 13. Steven Dent, $109,998; 14. Mason Clements, $109,441; 15. R.C. Landingham, $106,031.

 

Steer wrestling: 1. J.D. Struxness, 3.6 seconds, $26,231; 2. Chason Floyd, 3.8, $20,731; 3. Dakota Eldridge, 3.9, $15,654; 4. (tie) Ty Erickson and Jon Ragatz, 4.1, $8,885 each; 6. Rowdy Parrott, 4.2, $4,231; 7. (tie) Tanner Milan, Nick Guy and Kyle Irwin, 4.4 each; 10. Tyler Pearson, 4.9; 11. Ryle Smith, 5.6; 12. Olin Hannum, 7.1; 13. Scott Guenthner, 7.3; 14. Baylor Roche, 15.8; 15. Tyler Waguespack, NT. Average standings: 1. Kyle Irwin, 16.7 seconds on four head; 2. Tyler Pearson, 16.8; 3. Jon Ragatz, 17.1; 4. Ty Erickson, 17.8; 5. Rowdy Parrott, 19.2; 6. Tanner Milan, 19.4. World standings: 1. Ty Erickson, $202,767; 2. Tyler Pearson, $177,034; 3. Tyler Waguespack, $153,290; 4. Kyle Irwin, $129,242; 5. Olin Hannum, $120,951; 6. Tanner Milan, $120,304; 7. J.D. Struxness, $120,203; 8. Baylor Roche, $118,224; 9. Jon Ragatz, $117,082; 10. Scott Guenthner, $117,032; 11. Chason Floyd, $109,453; 12. Dakota Eldridge, $106,634; 13. Ryle Smith, $103,463; 14. Nick Guy, $99,737; 15. Rowdy Parrott, $99,550.

 

Team roping: 1. (tie) Luke Brown/Jake Long, Dustin Egusquiza/Kory Koontz, 4.1 seconds, $23,481 each; 3. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, 4.3, $15,654; 4. Chad Masters/Travis Graves, 4.4, $11,000; 5. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 4.5, $6,769; 6. Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, 5.2, $4,231; 7. Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens, 5.3; 8. Riley Minor/Brady Minor,7.2; 9. Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill, 8.8; 10. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, Dustin Bird/Russell Cardoza, Tom Richards/Jeremy Buhler, Garrett Rogers/Jake Minor, Charly Crawford/Joseph Harrison, NT. Average standings: 1. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, 18.4 seconds on four head; 2. Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, 22.9; 3. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 23.7; 4. Chad Masters/Travis Graves, 25.5; 5. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 31.0; 6. Luke Brown/Jake Long, 12.8 on three. World standings: (headers) 1. Kaleb Driggers, $183,535; 2. Luke Brown, $178,092; 3. Clay Smith, $176,825; 4. Erich Rogers, $163,596; 5. Jr. Dees, $134,656; 6. Dustin Egusquiza, $121,918; 7. Dustin Bird, $114,519; 8. Charly Crawford, $113,821; 9. Riley Minor, $110,818; 10. Chad Masters, $110,739; 11. Coleman Proctor, $108,033; 12. Garrett Rogers, $98,940; 13. Tom Richards, $91,415; 14. Clay Tryan, $91,383; 15. Cody Snow, $89,236. (heelers) 1. Junior Nogueira, $184,265; 2. Paul Eaves, $180,942; 3. Jake Long, $169,563; 4. Cory Petska, $163,596; 5. Russell Cardoza, $136,004; 6. Tyler McKnight, $135,066; 7. Billie Jack Saebens, $120,930; 8. Kory Koontz, $119,133; 9. Joseph Harrison, $118,063; 10. Travis Graves, $117,649; 11. Brady Minor, $110,818; 12. Jake Minor, $98,940; 13. Jade Corkill, $91,383; 14. Wesley Thorp, $90,836; 15. Jeremy Buhler, $78,006.

 

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Ryder Wright, 89 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeos’ Pony Man, $26,231; 2. Brody Cress, 86, $20,731; 3. (tie) Hardy Braden and Heith DeMoss, 85.5, $13,327 each; 5. Audy Reed, 85, $6,769; 6. Sterling Crawley, 81.5, $4,231; 7. Jake Wright, 80.5; 8. Layton Green, 80; 9. CoBurn Bradshaw, 77; 10. Jacobs Crawley, 75.5; 11. Zeke Thurston, 72.5; 12. Taos Muncy, 62.5; 13. Cody DeMoss, Clay Elliott and Jesse Wright, NS. Average standings: 1. CoBurn Bradshaw, 337.5 points on four head; 2. Brody Cress, 330.5; 3. Sterling Crawley, 327.5; 4. Audy Reed, 325; 5. Jake Wright, 321.5; 6. Taos Muncy, 295.5. World standings: 1. Jacobs Crawley, $220,158; 2. CoBurn Bradshaw, $186,577; 3. Zeke Thurston, $184,122; 4. Ryder Wright, $171,977; 5. Hardy Braden, $157,831; 6. Brody Cress, $152,049; 7. Cody DeMoss, $151,657; 8. Sterling Crawley, $127,953; 9. Heith DeMoss, $121,107; 10. Layton Green, $120,613; 11. Taos Muncy, $116,171; 12. Jake Wright, $107,527; 13. Audy Reed, $104,687; 14. Clay Elliott, $99,332; 15. Jesse Wright, $86,630.

 

Tie-down roping: 1. Cooper Martin, 7.6 seconds, $26,231; 2. Marty Yates, 7.7 seconds, $20,731; 3. Shane Hanchey, 7.8, $15,654; 4. (tie) Randall Carlisle and Timber Moore, 8.2, $8,885 each; 6. J.C. Malone, 8.9, $4,231; 7. Cory Solomon, 9.0; 8. (tie) Trevor Brazile and Marcos Costa, 9.4 each; 10. Tuf Cooper, 9.5; 11. Tyson Durfey, 12.5; 12. Cade Swor, 20.3; 13. Matt Shiozawa, 25.2; 14. Caleb Smidt and Ryan Jarrett, NT. Average standings: 1. Trevor Brazile, 32.0 seconds on four head; 2. Marcos Costa, 33.4; 3. Cooper Martin, 33.9; 4. Tuf Cooper, 35.8; 5. Timber Moore, 36.0; 6. Shane Hanchey, 36.9. World standings: 1. Tuf Cooper, $205,945; 2. Trevor Brazile, $171,510; 3. Marcos Costa, $165,748; 4. Caleb Smidt, $156,425; 5. Shane Hanchey, $154,383; 6. Cooper Martin, $142,400; 7. Cade Swor, $132,691; 8. Ryan Jarrett, $132,286; 9. Timber Moore, $131,077; 10. Marty Yates, $127,904; 11. Tyson Durfey, $124,192; 12. Matt Shiozawa, $114,363; 13. J.C. Malone, $107,299; 14. Cory Solomon, $106,210; 15. Randall Carlisle, $104,451.

 

Barrel racing: 1. Amberleigh Moore, 13.56 seconds, $26,231; 2. Ivy Conrado, 13.58, $20,731; 3. Taci Bettis, 13.59, $15,654; 4. Hailey Kinsel, 13.63, $11,000; 5. Kathy Grimes, 13.73, $6,769; 6. Lisa Lockhart, 13.76, $4,231; 7. Nellie Miller, 13.84; 8. Tillar Murray, 13.85; 9. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 13.87; 10. Tiany Schuster, 14.34; 11. Kassie Mowry, 15.41; 12. Kellie Collier, 16.12; 13. Kimmie Wall, 18.69; 14. Stevi Hillman, 24.59; 15. Sydni Blanchard, 25.40. Average standings: 1. Hailey Kinsel, 54.08 seconds on four runs; 2. Nellie Miller, 54.88; 3. Ivy Conrado, 54.96; 4. Kathy Grimes, 55.18; 5. Lisa Lockhart, 55.37; 6. Tiany Schuster, 56.71. World standings: 1. Tiany Schuster, $260,378; 2. Amberleigh Moore, $198,922; 3. Stevi Hillman, $195,952; 4. Nellie Miller, $184,537; 5. Hailey Kinsel, $177,245; 6. Kassie Mowry, $166,624; 7. Kathy Grimes, $139,555; 8. Ivy Conrado, $124,142; 9. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, $123,660; 10. Taci Bettis, $122,677; 11. Lisa Lockhart, $114,916; 12. Sydni Blanchard, $108,131; 13. Tillar Murray, $102,789; 14. Kellie Collier, $97,569; 15. Kimmie Wall, $86,294.

 

Bull riding: 1. Trey Benton III, 87.5 points on Andrews Rodeo’s Mo Money, $33,564; 2. Joe Frost, 83, $28,064; 3. Ty Wallace, 80.5, $22,987; 4. Sage Kimzey, Garrett Smith, Tim Bingham, Cole Melancon, Jordan Spears, Dustin Bowen, Jordan Hansen, Roscoe Jarboe, Trevor Reiste, Guthrie Murray, Brennon Eldred and Boudreaux Campbell, NS. Average standings: 1. Trey Benton III, 350 points on four head; 2. Sage Kimzey, 257 on three; 3. Joe Frost, 253.5; 4. Garrett Smith, 172.5 on two; 5. Cole Melancon, 170; 6. Ty Wallace, 167. World standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $291,576; 2. Garrett Smith, $253,797; 3. Trey Benton III, $209,670; 4. Ty Wallace, $203,814; 5. Joe Frost, $183,989; 6. Jordan Spears, $141,423; 7. Cole Melancon, $144,081; 8. Roscoe Jarboe, $133,586; 9. Tim Bingham, $129,515; 10. Jordan Hansen, $109,429; 11. Trevor Reiste, $107,121; 12. Dustin Bowen, $104,668; 13. Brennon Eldred, $102,991; 14. Boudreaux Campbell, $102,294; 15. Guthrie Murray, $97,288.

 

All-around world standings: 1. Trevor Brazile, $313,837; 2. Tuf Cooper, $245,522; 3. Junior Nogueira, $185,987; 4. Caleb Smidt, $166,221; 5. Erich Rogers, $158,649; 6. Ryle Smith, $150,876; 7. Russell Cardoza, $149,026; 8. Dakota Eldridge, $129,854; 9. Marty Yates, $120,014.

LAS VEGAS – Ahead of Saturday’s Round 3 draw for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER, there was plenty of hope among rodeo fans that bareback riding defending World Champion Tim O’Connell would be matched with reigning Bareback Horse of the Year C5 Rodeo’s Virgil.

O’Connell himself prayed for a decent draw.

Everyone got what they wanted, and O’Connell made it count.

On a night when the bareback riding stock was as impressive as the riders aboard them, the reigning world champion tied the Thomas & Mack Center arena record by riding Virgil for 91.5 points on Saturday, Dec. 9, to cash in for $26,231.

“I was actually really relieved to be honest with you,” said O’Connell, who has placed in each of the first three rounds. “We were sitting at dinner and it had been like an hour after they drew and it’s the E-pen (Eliminator Pen Round). You’re just sitting there and you’re anticipating the draw sheet to come out, you’re wondering, and you’ve got things running through your head. I remember I was just sitting there and I grabbed my cross and my wedding band that’s around my neck. I just prayed to God to put me at ease and give me what I needed. He did exactly that. He gave me the world champion bucking horse.”

O’Connell tied Justin McDaniel (2007), Bobby Mote (twice in 2008) and Will Lowe (2007) for the arena record.

O’Connell entered the WNFR with the largest lead of any cowboy in the WEATHER GUARD® PRCA World Standings. His win Saturday put him in first place in the aggregate scores in the race for the average title.

O’Connell tied for third in each of the first two rounds before winning Round 3. He wanted to be consistent at the Finals, and so far, so good.

“I want to be consistent every time I nod my head,” said O’Connell. “I want the fans to know I’m the world champion. I’ve worked really, really hard to be the best in the world. I feel like the second one (title) will prove it.”

O’Connell leads the world standings with $264,800. Tanner Aus is second with $170,138.

 

Kinsel shatters arena barrel racing record

Immediately after watching the arena record get broken, barrel racer Hailey Kinsel posted a blistering time of 13.11 seconds to set the Thomas & Mack arena record.

After two barrels, Kinsel knew something special might be happening.

“(My horse) Sister was a little different than normal tonight,” Kinsel said. “She felt a little bit more focused than ever. I felt like she was going to do something good. I mean, I didn’t know it was going to be that good. She smoked the first barrel and then she smoked the second, and I sat up and rode my third good, so I can take a little credit there, but I let her work and I don’t know what else to say. This is one night I sure won’t forget.”

Right before Kinsel’s run, she watched Kassie Mowery finish in 13.36 to break the previous arena record of 13.37.

“I can’t downplay what Kassie did,” Kinsel said. “That was a smoking run. We know from record books that it was an awesome run. … I mean, Ivy Conrado ran a 13.59 and any other night that might win the round. So, smoking runs by everybody. Hats off to the ground crew. They help us out a lot.”

 

Bull riders Melancon, Kimzey tie with 91.5 points

In Cole Melancon’s first trip to the WNFR he has his first round win. And he tied three-time defending World Champion Sage Kimzey to do it.

Melancon scored 91.5 points on Smith, Harper & Morgan’s Hot and Ready, while Kimzey scored 91.5 on Rafter H Rodeo Livestock’s Nose Bender to split the first-place winnings in Round 3.

“This is my first time here and my first win, and to ride one last night calmed my nerves a bit and then to get a 91.5 is awesome and something I’ll never forget,” Melancon said. “This is the biggest stage in rodeo, and to be a 91.5 at the Super Bowl is a great feeling.”

Kimzey continues to sit atop the world standings. He tied for second on Friday before returning to tie for the win on Saturday. Kimzey has $291,575 in earnings for 2017.

“Oh, man, I’m blessed, and I started this year putting the work in and it’s nice to see that hard work paying off,” said Kimzey, who notched his first score of at least 90 points at the WNFR. “I work for everything I get, and this year is a prime example of that. I went to the most rodeos, besides Boudreaux Campbell, and got on 170 bulls and rode 65 percent of them and put on 50,000 miles (on the road) and had 50 airline tickets.”

Kimzey was excited by breaking the 90-point threshold.

“This was my first time being 90 here, and the few opportunities I have had I let slip past me and this is pretty special for sure,” he said.

Tying with Kimzey was perfectly fine for Melancon, who sits seventh in the world.

“Sage is known as one of the greatest bull riders going, and I see myself as one of the greatest ones too, to be here,” Melancon said. “But to split it with Sage, it’s a great feeling to be able to do it at my first NFR and be in the 90s.”

 

Irwin posts top steer wrestling time of 2017 WNFR

Steer wrestler Kyle Irwin posted the fastest steer wrestling time of this year’s WNFR after stopping the clock in 3.4 seconds in Round 3 on Saturday.

It also gave him the second most money won at the WNFR in steer wrestling with $49,558.

“I’m going to say it was the horse (Scooter) I was riding and the hazer (Tyler Pearson),” Irwin said. “That horse, Tyler (Pearson) and I are co-owners of him, and he was the (2017) horse of the year and he makes my job so much easier because I know he’s going to do his job. We knew that steer tonight would be OK, but I had to get a good start and get my feet on the ground fast, and Scooter let me do that, and it all came together.”

Scooter wasn’t just a good horse for Irwin. He was the horse for the top four steer wrestlers of the night, helping Ty Erickson take second, Pearson third and Tyler Waguespack fourth.

“Scooter gets stronger with the second and third who ride him,” Irwin said. “I was first out on him, and that just tells you how good he is. It’s good to have those other guys riding him. It’s fun. We compete against each other, and it’s cool to see Scooter handle the pressure over and over again.”

The win has Irwin in ninth place in the world standings with $129,242.

Erickson continues to lead with $193,883.

 

Brown and Long heating up in team roping

A night after team ropers Luke Brown and Jake Long got on the board with a fifth-place finish, they came right back with a win in 3.9 seconds.

The win has them finding their timing.

“We’ve roped so much and we’ve practiced for this,” Brown said. “There’s one other team I know that practiced just as hard as we did, and honestly, I think we did everything we needed to do before we came here and we’re going to stick to what we do.”

Brown was able to hook the steer early and turn him for Long, setting them up for the win.

“Well, anytime you see (Luke) get it on one that fast, you know the ball’s in your court and you don’t ever want to miss that shot, because it’s a layup to win first,” Long said.

The win gives header Brown $154,611 for the 2017 season and heeler Long $146,082, good for fourth place in the world standings for each of them.

Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira lead the world standings, with Driggers atop the headers with $183,535, and Nogueira leading heelers with $184,265.

Brown and Long are planning on continuing to do what’s working for them and hope things work out when the 10th round ends.

“Luke is really solid, and one thing he told me was, if we make nine good runs like we’ve practiced, we’ll win plenty of money and get out of here good,” Long said.

 

Former world champ scores 87.5 to win saddle bronc riding

The 2015 saddle bronc riding World Champion Jacobs Crawley had yet to score through two rounds at the WNFR.

Then came Saturday night.

Crawley notched 87.5 points on Sutton Rodeos’ South Point to win Round 3 and $26,231.

“It’s been another great year as far as the regular season is concerned, so you hope to get hot and stay hot, and I caught a spark tonight,” said Crawley, tops in the world standings.

The winning money gives Crawley $220,158 for the 2017 season. CoBurn Bradshaw is second with $186,577.

Crawley won the saddle bronc riding title in 2015, but the first two rounds of 2017 had been a struggle. That’s not the case anymore.

“It means I got the monkey off my back and getting a nice check with a lot of opportunities is where I would like to be,” he said. “Obviously, I would have liked to have done better last night, but I’m happy to be in this position.”

He’s not planning on doing anything differently as he continues to push for his second world title.

“… If you think about changing the plan based on a round win, I don’t think it’s a good idea,” said the 29-year-old Texas cowboy. “I’m happy to get it and I’m ready for seven more.”

 

Moore notches first round win of 2017 WNFR

Tie-down roper Timber Moore is no stranger to the WNFR after making this his sixth trip to the Finals in Las Vegas.

But last year Moore failed to place in any round.

On Saturday, he rectified that with a 7.1-second time and a first-place check worth $26,231.

“I came in second in the standings at the NFR last year and thought I had a good chance to win the world and nothing went my way and I had all kinds of trouble,” Moore said. “This win feels really good to get some money, especially after the year I had last year at the NFR. This is a big confidence boost. The run was very good and I had a really good calf and I had a really good start.”

The victory has Moore up to ninth place in the world standings.

Still leading the way is Tuf Cooper, who tied for fifth in Round 3, with $205,945. Cooper’s brother-in-law, Trevor Brazile, is in second with $171,510 after placing third on Saturday.

 

Brazile leading all-around, RAM Top Gun standings

Trevor Brazile moved into first place in the RAM Top Gun Award race after taking third in tie-down roping.

The finish gave Brazile $70,077 at the WNFR in the race for the most money won at the Finals.

It also gave him $313,837 in the standings for all-around cowboy, where he leads Tuf Cooper, who has $245,521.

 

Third Performance Results, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017

 

Bareback riding: 1. Tim O’Connell, 91.5 points on C5 Rodeo’s Virgil (tied arena record), $26,231; 2. Richmond Champion, 89.5, $20,731; 3. Jake Vold, 87, $15,654; 4. Caleb Bennett, 86, $11,000; 5. R.C. Landingham, 84, $6,769; 6. Steven Dent, 83, $4,230; 7. Tanner Aus, 81.5; 8. Ty Breuer, 78.5; 9. J.R. Vezain, 78; 10. Orin Larsen, 73; 11. Wyatt Denny, 72.5; 12. Bill Tutor, 71; 13. Clayton Biglow, Jake Brown, Mason Clements, NS. Average standings: 1. Tim O’Connell, 263.5 points on three head; 2. Jake Vold, 261.5; 3. Richmond Champion, 258; 4. Caleb Bennett, 254; 5. R.C. Landingham 251; 6. Tanner Aus, 248.5. World standings: 1. Tim O’Connell, $264,800; 2. Tanner Aus, $170,138; 3. Jake Vold, $167,372; 4. Richmond Champion, $155,408; 5. Clayton Biglow, $138,153; 6. Orin Larsen, $134,202; 7. J.R. Vezain, $130,081; 8. Caleb Bennett, $129,793; 9. Jake Brown, $119,982; 10. Wyatt Denny, $119,353; 11. Steven Dent, $109,998; 12. Mason Clements, $109,441; 13. Bill Tutor, $106,039; 14. R.C. Landingham, $106,031; 15. Ty Breuer, $99,106.

 

Steer wrestling: 1. Kyle Irwin, 3.4 seconds, $26,230; 2. Ty Erickson, 3.7, $20,731; 3. Tyler Pearson, 4.0, $15,654; 4. (tie) Tyler Waguespack and Baylor Roche, 4.1, $8,885 each; 6. Rowdy Parrott, 4.3, $4,231; 7. Scott Guenthner, 4.5; 8. Jon Ragatz, 4.6; 9. Tanner Milan, 4.9; 10. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Nick Guy, 5.0 each; 12. Ryle Smith, 5.1; 13. J.D. Struxness, 9.6; 14. Olin Hannum and Chason Floyd, NT. Average standings: 1. (tie) Tyler Pearson and Tyler Waguespack, 11.9 seconds on three head;3. Kyle Irwin, 12.3; 4. Jon Ragatz, 13.0; 5. Scott Guenthner, 13.3; 6. Ty Erickson, 13.7. World standings: 1. Ty Erickson, $193,883; 2. Tyler Pearson, $177,034; 3. Tyler Waguespack, $153,290; 4. Kyle Irwin, $129,242; 5. Olin Hannum, $120,951; 6. Tanner Milan, $120,304; 7. Baylor Roche, $118,224; 8. Scott Guenthner, $117,032; 9. Jon Ragatz, $108,198; 10. Ryle Smith, $103,463; 11. Nick Guy, $99,737; 12. Rowdy Parrott, $95,319; 13. J.D. Struxness, $93,973; 14. Dakota Eldridge, $90,981; 15. Chason Floyd, $88,723.

 

Team roping: 1. Luke Brown/Jake Long, 3.9 seconds, $26,231 each; 2. Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, 4.1, $20,731; 3. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 4.2, $13,327; 3. Garrett Rogers/Jake Minor, 4.2, $13,327; 5. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, 4.9, $6,769; 6. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 9.1, $4,231; 7. Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens, 9.4; 8. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 9.5; 9. Dustin Egusquiza/Kory Koontz, 9.6; 10. Chad Masters/Travis Graves, 10.3; 11. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, Dustin Bird/Russell Cardoza, Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill, Tom Richards/Jeremy Buhler, Charly Crawford/Joseph Harrison, NT. Average standings: 1. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, 14.1 seconds on three head; 2. Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, 17.7; 3. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 19.2; 4. Chad Masters/Travis Graves, 21.1; 5. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 23.8; 6. Kaleb Driggers/ Junior Nogueira, 30.50. World standings: (headers) 1. Kaleb Driggers, $183,535; 2. Clay Smith, $161,171; 3. Erich Rogers, $156,827; 4. Luke Brown, $154,611; 5. Jr. Dees, $130,425; 6. Dustin Bird, $114,519; 7. Charly Crawford, $113,821; 8. Riley Minor, $110,818; 9. Coleman Proctor, $108,033; 10. Chad Masters, $99,739; 11. Garrett Rogers, $98,940; 12. Dustin Egusquiza, $98,437; 13. Tom Richards, $91,415; 14. Clay Tryan, $91,383; 15. Cody Snow, $89,236. (heelers) 1. Junior Nogueira, $184,265; 2. Paul Eaves, $165,289, 3. Cory Petska, $156,827; 4. Jake Long, $146,082; 5. Russell Cardoza, $136,004; 6. Tyler McKnight, $130,835; 7. Billie Jack Saebens, $120,930; 8. Joseph Harrison, $118,063; 9. Brady Minor, $110,818; 10. Travis Graves, $106,649; 11. Jake Minor, $98,940; 12. Kory Koontz, $95,652; 13. Jade Corkill, $91,383; 14. Wesley Thorp, $90,836; 15. Jeremy Buhler, $78,006.

 

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Jacobs Crawley, 87.5 points on Sutton Rodeos’ South Point, $26,231; 2. Ryder Wright, 87, $20,731; 3. Taos Muncy, 85.5, $15,654; 4. (tie) CoBurn Bradshaw, Hardy Braden, Heith DeMoss and Audy Reed, 84, $5,500 each; 8. Layton Green, 83.5; 9. Sterling Crawley, 83; 10. Brody Cress, 82.5; 11. Clay Elliott, 82; 12. (tie) Zeke Thurston and Jake Wright, 79.5 each; 14. Jesse Wright, 78.5; 15. Cody DeMoss, NS. Average standings: 1. CoBurn Bradshaw, 260.5 points on three head; 2. Sterling Crawley, 246; 3. Brody Cress, 244.5; 4. Jake Wright, 241; 5. Audy Reed, 240; 6. Taos Muncy, 233. World standings: 1.Jacobs Crawley, $220,158; 2. CoBurn Bradshaw, $186,577; 3. Zeke Thurston, $184,122; 4. Cody DeMoss, $151,657; 5. Ryder Wright, $145,746; 6. Hardy Braden, $144,504; 7. Brody Cress, $131,319; 8. Sterling Crawley, $123,723; 9. Layton Green, $120,613; 10. Taos Muncy, $116,171; 11. Heith DeMoss, $107,780; 12. Jake Wright, $107,527; 13. Clay Elliott, $99,332; 14. Audy Reed, $97,918; 15. Jesse Wright, $86,630.

 

Tie-down roping: 1. Timber Moore, 7.1 seconds, $26,231; 2. Cooper Martin, 7.2, $20,731; 3. Trevor Brazile, 7.3, $15,654; 4. Matt Shiozawa, 7.4, $11,000; 5. (tie) Tuf Cooper and Cade Swor, 7.9, $5,500 each; 7. Marcos Costa, 8.0; 8. Tyson Durfey, 8.2; 9. J.C. Malone, 8.7; 10. Marty Yates, 9.4; 11. Cory Solomon, 9.7; 12. Randall Carlisle, 10.1; 13. Shane Hanchey, 10.5; 14. Ryan Jarrett, 19.2; 15. Caleb Smidt, NT. Average standings: 1. Trevor Brazile, 22.60 seconds on three head; 2. Cade Swor, 23.70; 3. Marcos Costa, 24.00; 4. Tyson Durfey, 26.00; 5. (tie) Tuf Cooper and Cooper Martin, 26.30 each. World standings: 1. Tuf Cooper, $205,945; 2. Trevor Brazile, $171,510; 3. Marcos Costa, $165,748; 4. Caleb Smidt, $156,425; 5. Shane Hanchey, $138,729; 6. Cade Swor, $132,691; 7. Ryan Jarrett, $132,286; 8. Tyson Durfey, $124,192; 9. Timber Moore, $122,193; 10. Cooper Martin, $116,169; 11. Matt Shiozawa, $114,363; 12. Marty Yates, $107,173; 13. Cory Solomon, $106,210; 14. J.C. Malone, $103,068; 15. Randall Carlisle, $95,566.

 

Barrel racing: 1. Hailey Kinsel, 13.11 seconds (new arena record), $26,231; 2. Kassie Mowry, 13.36, $20,731; 3. Amberleigh Moore, 13.57, $15,654; 4. Ivy Conrado, 13.59, $11,000; 5. Nellie Miller, 13.66, $6,769; 6. Lisa Lockhart, 13.67, $4,231; 7. Taci Bettis, 13.68; 8. Kathy Grimes, 13.70; 9. Stevi Hillman, 13.84; 10. Tiany Schuster, 14.20; 11. Kellie Collier, 14.58; 12. Tillar Murray, 18.76; 13. Sydni Blanchard, 18.90; 14. Kimmie Wall, 18.95; 15. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 19.18. Average standings: 1.Hailey Kinsel, 40.45 seconds on three runs; 2. Nellie Miller, 41.04; 3. Ivy Conrado, 41.38; 4. Kathy Grimes, 41.45; 5. Lisa Lockhart, 41.61. 6. Tiany Schuster, 42.37. World standings: 1. Tiany Schuster, $260,378; 2. Stevi Hillman, $195,952; 3. Nellie Miller, $184,537; 4. Amberleigh Moore, $172,691; 5. Kassie Mowry, $166,624; 6. Hailey Kinsel, $166,245; 7. Kathy Grimes, $132,785; 8. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, $123,660; 9. Lisa Lockhart, $110,685; 10. Sydni Blanchard, $108,131; 11. Taci Bettis, $107,023; 12. Ivy Conrado, $103,412; 13. Tillar Murray, $102,789; 14. Kellie Collier, $97,569; 15. Kimmie Wall, $86,294.

 

Bull riding: 1. (tie) Sage Kimzey on Rafter H Rodeo’s Nose Bender and Cole Melancon on Smith, Harper & Morgan’s Hot and Ready, 91.5 points, $26,231 each; 3. Trey Benton III, 87, $18,404; 4. Ty Wallace, 86.5, $13,750; 5. Garrett Smith, Joe Frost, Tim Bingham, Jordan Spears, Dustin Bowen, Jordan Hansen, Roscoe Jarboe, Trevor Reiste, Guthrie Murray, Brennon Eldred, Boudreaux Campbell, NS. Average standings: 1. Trey Benton III, 262.5 on three head; 2. Sage Kimzey, 257; 3. Garrett Smith, 172.5 on two head; 4. Joe Frost, 170.5; 5. Cole Melancon, 170; 6. Roscoe Jarboe, 87 on one head. World standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $291,575; 2. Garrett Smith, $253,797; 3. Ty Wallace, $180,827; 4. Trey Benton III, $176,106; 5. Joe Frost, $155,925; 6. Jordan Spears, $141,423; 7. Cole Melancon, $144,081; 8. Roscoe Jarboe, $133,586; 9. Tim Bingham, $129,515; 10. Jordan Hansen, $109,429; 11. Trevor Reiste, $107,121; 12. Dustin Bowen, $104,668; 13. Brennon Eldred, $102,991; 14. Boudreaux Campbell, $102,294; 15. Guthrie Murray, $97,288.

 

All-around world standings: 1.Trevor Brazile, $313,837; 2. Tuf Cooper, $245,522; 3. Junior Nogueira, $185,987; 4. Caleb Smidt, $166,221; 5. Erich Rogers, $151,880; 6. Ryle Smith, $150,876; 7. Russell Cardoza, $149,026; 8. Dakota Eldridge, $114,200; 9. Josh Peek, $105,470.

 

LAS VEGAS – It’s only Day 2 of the 10-day Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER.

Saddle bronc rider CoBurn Bradshaw may have already found his groove.

A night after placing second in the saddle bronc riding, Bradshaw scored 89.5 points on Calgary Stampede’s Tiger Warrior to win Round 2 at the WNFR on Friday, Dec. 9, at the Thomas & Mack Center. The score tied for the second most points in Round 2 history.

Bradshaw was good for 87 points in the first round on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Big Tex.

“The saddle is feeling good,” said Bradshaw, 23. “I was nervous coming in since it’s a new saddle and I had been on 15 horses with it, and they were little. So, I took my leathers up and was nervous they would be too tight. Last night’s horse (Big Tex) I had been on before and I knew Tiger Warrior was a good horse and my leathers were feeling good. I was nervous about Tiger Warrior because he is big and strong, and I was questioning my saddle, but now my confidence is up.”

Bradshaw also won Round 2 in 2015.

“I don’t know, I just have good luck in it and I guess it’s turning into my round – I’ve been nervous every year in the first round,” he said. “Last year, I had new leathers, too, and I threw my old ones on after the third round and did better.”

Also rising for Bradshaw after two nights were his season earnings. The Utah cowboy has earned $56,962 – including his $10,000 check for qualifying for the WNFR – in two rounds, putting him in the lead for the RAM Top Gun Award.

He’s still sitting in third place in the saddle bronc riding competition, but instead of being behind by more than $61,000, he’s behind leader Jacobs Crawley by about $12,000.

“I hope to be first place every night from now on,” Bradshaw said. “I’ve got a lot of ground to make up.”

 

Smith rides for 87 points to win bull riding competition

Once upon a time, Garrett Smith was at the WNFR in an accomplice role.

Smith, at the ripe old age of 19, hazed for his brother, Wyatt, at the 2014 Finals.

On Friday, Smith won Round 2 of the bull riding competition with 87 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s J Lazy.

“It means a lot and helps your confidence going into the next round; and going into the week it makes everything better,” said Garrett Smith, now 22 years old.

Smith can operate at either end of the arena, but for him, there’s only one end he’s interested in at the moment, and it’s showing with his second-place position in the world standings.

“That’s always been my dream since I was little, to be a bull rider, but when my brother asked me to haze it was cool,” he said. “I bulldog quite a bit, but I’m having too much fun riding bulls while I’m young to go for the Linderman Award.”

Smith’s win gives him $253,797. He trails three-time, defending World Champion Sage Kimzey by less than $12,000.

Smith isn’t planning on changing anything to close the gap further.

“You’ve got to keep doing what you are doing, and if you keep doing that it should go good,” he said.

 

Brazile wins tie-down roping title, extends all-around lead

Trevor Brazile was back to his old ways Friday night, winning his record 67th career go-round by taking the Round 2 tie-down roping victory in 7.4 seconds.

“It is just cool every time you win a round here,” said the 41-year-old Texas cowboy. “It just puts you in the (record) book and lets you be a part of the rich history of our sport, and it’s a lot of the reason we do what we do.”

With the win, Brazile increased his PRCA record in career go-rounds won overall, including the National Finals Steer Roping and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, to 67. Tie-down roper Cody Ohl (55) and saddle bronc rider Billy Etbauer (51) are second and third, respectively.

Brazile has won 23 career PRCA gold buckles (all-around 2002-04, 2006-15; tie-down roping 2007, 2009-10; team roping 2010; steer roping 2006-07, 2011, 2013-15).

The win also added to Brazile’s lead in the race for the all-around cowboy gold buckle, as he built his total winnings for 2017 up to $298,183. He leads brother-in-law Tuf Cooper by $58,161.

“I know it’s a race, but I also know it’s not a sprint either,” he said. “So, I’m just roping, and you can start worrying about it (the all-around standings) when you get close to the end, but until then, there’s nothing you can do.”

 

Amberleigh Moore posts Round 2 record

The barrel racer who holds the NFR earnings record won Round 2 in a round record time of 13.54 seconds on CP Dark Moon (Paige).

“I took a deep breath before I came up the alleyway because last night took a little bit of wind out of my sail,” Moore said. “I’m very happy for tonight.”

Moore bested the previous record (set by Sherry Cervi in 2013) by .12 seconds.

“Being top of the ground (second out) definitely was an advantage, I feel,” Moore said. “Tonight, Paige readjusted how she ran and adapted to the ground and got it done.”

Moore made an equipment change ahead of her ride.

“I had a new saddle,” Moore said. “I’ve had it for about two months and a couple times I felt a little bit uncomfortable in it, and last night was the final, ‘Go back to the saddle you’ve ridden in for the past year.’ I think it helped – at least I felt more confident in it.”

 

Aus, Champion share bareback riding title

Entering the WNFR, Tanner Aus had the largest deficit of any cowboy sitting in second place. He trailed defending world champion Tim O’Connell by $65,259.

After missing out on the money in the first round while O’Connell took home more than $13,000, Aus went back to his hotel and refocused.

On Friday night, Aus and Richmond Champion each scored 87.5 points to split the Round 2 victory.

“It’s nice to start off early,” said Aus, who rode Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Scarlet Fever. “I had kind of a slow night last night. You go back to the hotel and you think about your mistakes and try to rectify the situation, so I felt like I did an all right job doing that.”

Champion did his damage on a familiar horse, Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Fancy Free.

“Man, it was awesome,” Champion said. “It’s a horse that’s been around a long time – Fancy Free of Pete Carr’s – I think she might be older than I am. I knew I had a good one. I wasn’t sure she was going to be enough. Like I said, she’s an older horse, but she bucked like a colt today.”

While Aus and Champion each won $23,481, O’Connell placed again, bringing his 2017 WNFR earnings to $36,654.

Over the months leading up to the WNFR, Aus was contemplating what he needed to do to track down O’Connell.

“From the end of September to the beginning of December, those two months are pretty slow,” the Minnesota cowboy said. “Then the three days when you get to Vegas are the slowest. You try to keep your mind right and have a little fun. But here we are, second night down, and once she gets started it goes pretty fast.”

In his third trip to the Finals, this was Champion’s first time placing before the fourth round. Friday brought a different feeling.

“In the past two qualifications here, I’ve been a notorious slow starter,” an elated Champion said. “My goal this year was to get the ball rolling early. Last night didn’t go my way, but I kind of had a feeling tonight was going to be a better night, and I guess we’re right on track.”

 

Tanner Milan wins first career round win

With a little help from his family steer wrestler Tanner Milan nailed down his first career WNFR round win.

Milan won Round 2 in 3.5 seconds, tying for the fifth-fastest Round 2 time.

“This is incredible. This is just a heck of a feeling. This feels awesome,” Milan said. “Now, I have to just stay real aggressive on the start and run at the barrier every night and try and catch up as fast as I can.”

The win has Milan in fifth place in the world standings. His brother, Baillie, had a big hand in Friday’s win.

“I got a real, real good start and that little horse I’m riding (Maverick) is owned by Tom Lewis, and he gets across there so fast and he’s a real good, honest horse,” Milan said. “I had my brother, Baillie, hazing, and I have great support here from my family and friends. I couldn’t ask for a better way to have things go for me in Round 2.”

Tyler Pearson took second place in Round 2, bringing his NFR earnings after two nights to $51,462. Pearson now trails leader Ty Erickson by less than $12,000. Erickson’s lead going into the NFR had been more than $52,000.

 

Bird, Cardoza post 3.9-second round in team roping

When the first team ropers of the night shot out to a 4.1-second time, Dustin Bird and Russell Cardoza didn’t let it pressure them.

The team roping veterans topped it with a time of 3.9 to win Round 2, tying the round’s second quickest time, and cashing in for $26,231 apiece.

“After missing one last night, we weren’t going to just catch him, that’s for sure,” Bird said. “He was a good enough steer that allowed us to make a good run and win first.”

Bird and Cardoza are old hats at making the trip to Vegas. Bird is in his fifth WNFR competition, while Cardoza is in his sixth.

“Vegas is fun anytime you come, but if you’re in the rodeo it makes it that much better,” said Cardoza, who sits fourth place in the team roping heeler world standings.

Bird is fifth place among headers after scoring the first-place check.

“That’s the big thing, being back here in Vegas, but to actually go and do good is another thing, so it feels good,” Bird said.

Header Kaleb Driggers and teammate heeler Junior Nogueira did not place, but continue to lead the world standings in their respective events. Each lead by at least $11,000 over their nearest competitor.

 

Second Performance Results, Friday, Dec. 8, 2017

Bareback riding: 1. (tie) Tanner Aus on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Scarlet Fever and Richmond Champion on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Fancy Free, 87.5 points, $23,481 each; 3. (tie) Tim O’Connell and Jake Vold, 87, $13,327 each; 5. Jake Brown, 86.5, $6,769; 6. Orin Larsen, 85, $4,231; 7. (tie) Clayton Biglow and Caleb Bennett, 84 each; 9. (tie) J.R. Vezain and R.C. Landingham, 83.5 each; 11. Mason Clements, 83; 12. Ty Breuer, 81.5; 13. Steven Dent, 78.5; 14. Bill Tutor, 78; 15. Wyatt Denny, 73.5. Average standings: 1. Jake Vold, 174.5 points on two head; 2. Tim O’Connell, 172; 3. Orin Larsen, 171.5; 4. Jake Brown, 169; 5. Richmond Champion, 168.5. World Standings: 1. Tim O’Connell, $238,567; 2. Tanner Aus, $170,138; 3. Jake Vold, $151,718; 4. Clayton Biglow, $138,153; 5. Richmond Champion, $134,678; 6. Orin Larsen, $134,202; 7. J.R. Vezain, $130,081; 8. Jake Brown, $119,982; 9. Wyatt Denny, $119,353; 10. Caleb Bennett, $118,793; 11. Mason Clements, $109,441; 12. Bill Tutor, $106,039; 13. Steven Dent, $105,767; 14. R.C. Landingham, $99,261; 15. Ty Breuer, $99,106.

 

Steer wrestling: 1. Tanner Milan, 3.5 seconds, $26,231; 2. Tyler Pearson  , 4.0, $20,731; 3. (tie) Kyle Irwin and Jon Ragatz, 4.1, $13,327 each; 5. Nick Guy, 4.2, $6,769; 6. Tyler Waguespack, 4.3, $4,231; 7. (tie) Ty Erickson and Scott Guenthner, 4.5 each; 9. (tie) Olin Hannum and Chason Floyd, 4.9 each; 11. Ryle Smith, 5.9; 12. Rowdy Parrott, 6.4; 13. Dakota Eldridge, 7.1; 14. J.D. Struxness, 13.8; 15. Baylor Roche, NT. Average standings: 1. Tyler Waguespack, 7.8 seconds on two head; 2. Tyler Pearson, 7.9; 3. Jon Ragatz, 8.4; 4. Scott Guenthner, 8.8; 5. Kyle Irwin, 8.9. World Standings: 1. Ty Erickson, $173,152; 2. Tyler Pearson, $161,380; 3. Tyler Waguespack, $144,405; 4. Olin Hannum, $120,951; 5. Tanner Milan, $120,304; 6. Scott Guenthner, $117,032; 7. Baylor Roche, $109,340; 8. Jon Ragatz, $108,198; 9. Ryle Smith, $103,463; 10. Kyle Irwin, $103,011; 11. Nick Guy, $99,737; 12. J.D. Struxness, $93,973; 13. Rowdy Parrott, $91,088; 14. Dakota Eldridge, $90,981; 15. Chason Floyd, $88,723.

 

Team roping: 1. Dustin Bird/Russell Cardoza, 3.9 seconds, $26,231 each; 2. Charly Crawford/Joseph Harrison, 4.5, $20,731; 3. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, 4.6, $15,654; 4. Dustin Egusquiza/Kory Koontz, 4.7, $11,000; 5. Luke Brown/Jake Long, 4.8, $6,769; 6. Chad Masters/Travis Graves, 5.1, $4,231; 7. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 5.3; 8. Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, 9.3; 9. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 9.4; 10. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 22.2; 11. Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens, Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill, Tom Richards/Jeremy Buhler and Garrett Rogers/Jake Minor, NT. Average standings: 1. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, 9.2 seconds on two head; 2. Charly Crawford/Joseph Harrison, 9.3; 3. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 10.1; 4. Chad Masters/Travis Graves,10.8; 5. Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, 13.6. World Standings: (headers) 1. Kaleb Driggers, $170,208; 2. Clay Smith, $154,402; 3. Erich Rogers, $152,596; 4. Luke Brown, $128,381; 5. Dustin Bird, $114,519; 6. Charly Crawford, $113,821; 7. Riley Minor, $110,818; 8. Jr. Dees, $109,694; 9. Coleman Proctor, $108,033; 10. Chad Masters, $99,739; 11. Dustin Egusquiza, $98,437; 12. Tom Richards, $91,415; 13. Clay Tryan, $91,383; 14. Cody Snow, $89,236; 15. Garrett Rogers, $85,614. (heelers) 1. Junior Nogueira, $170,938; 2. Paul Eaves, $158,519; 3. Cory Petska, $152,596; 4. Russell Cardoza, $136,004; 5. Billie Jack Saebens, $120,930; 6. Jake Long, $119,852; 7. Joseph Harrison, $118,063; 8. Brady Minor, $110,818; 9. Tyler McKnight, $110,105; 10. Travis Graves, $106,649; 11. Kory Koontz, $95,652; 12. Jade Corkill, $91,383; 13. Wesley Thorp, $90,836; 14. Jake Minor, $85,614; 15. Jeremy Buhler, $78,006.

 

Saddle bronc riding: 1. CoBurn Bradshaw, 89.5 points on Calgary Stampede’s Tiger Warrior, $26,231; 2. Sterling Crawley, 83, $20,731; 3. Brody Cress, 82.5, $15,654; 4. Cody DeMoss, 81.5, $11,000; 5. Audy Reed, 78, $6,769; 6. (tie) Jake Wright and Taos Muncy, 76.5, $2,115 each; 8. Jacobs Crawley, Zeke Thurston, Hardy Braden, Layton Green, Ryder Wright, Heith DeMoss, Clay Elliott, Jesse Wright, NS. Average standings: 1. CoBurn Bradshaw, 176.5 points on two head; 2. Cody DeMoss, 167; 3. Sterling Crawley, 163; 4. Brody Cress, 162; 5. Jake Wright, 161.5. World Standings: 1. Jacobs Crawley, $193,927; 2. Zeke Thurston, $184,122; 3. CoBurn Bradshaw, $181,077; 4. Cody DeMoss, $151,657; 5. Hardy Braden, $139,004; 6. Brody Cress, $131,319; 7. Ryder Wright, $125,015; 8. Sterling Crawley, $123,723; 9. Layton Green, $120,613; 10. Jake Wright, $107,527; 11. Heith DeMoss, $102,280; 12. Taos Muncy, $100,517; 13. Clay Elliott, $99,332; 14. Audy Reed, $92,418; 15. Jesse Wright, $86,630.

 

Tie-down roping: 1. Trevor Brazile, 7.4 seconds, $26,230; 2. Cade Swor, 7.7, $20,731; 3. Marcos Costa, 8.1, $15,654; 4. Cory Solomon, 8.4, $11,000; 5. Tyson Durfey, 8.8, $6,769; 6. Shane Hanchey, 9.0, $4,231; 7. Marty Yates, 9.2; 8. Tuf Cooper, 10.0; 9. Cooper Martin, 10.5; 10. Timber Moore, 10.9; 11. J.C. Malone, 13.9; 12. Matt Shiozawa, 14.1; 13. Ryan Jarrett, 18.6; 14. Caleb Smidt, 24.7; 15. Randall Carlisle, NT. Average standings: 1. Trevor Brazile, 15.30 seconds on two head; 2. Cade Swor, 15.80; 3. Marcos Costa, 16.0; 4. Tyson Durfey, 17.80; 5. Tuf Cooper, 18.40. World Standings:  1. Tuf Cooper, $200,445; 2. Marcos Costa, $165,748; 3. Caleb Smidt, $156,425; 4. Trevor Brazile, $155,856; 5. Shane Hanchey, $138,729; 6. Ryan Jarrett, $132,286; 7. Cade Swor, $127,191; 8. Tyson Durfey, $124,192; 9. Marty Yates, $107,173; 10. Cory Solomon, $106,210; 11. Matt Shiozawa, $103,363; 12. J.C. Malone, $103,068; 13. Timber Moore, $95,962; 14. Randall Carlisle, $95,566; 15. Cooper Martin, $95,438.

 

Barrel racing: 1. Amberleigh Moore, 13.54 seconds, $26,231; 2. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 13.62, $20,731; 3. Hailey Kinsel, 13.65, $15,654; 4. Nellie Miller, 13.74, $11,000; 5. Sydni Blanchard, 13.80, $6,769; 6. Kellie Collier, 13.83, $4,231; 7. Taci Bettis, 13.87; 8. Ivy Conrado, 13.89; 9. (tie) Tillar Murray and Kathy Grimes, 13.90 each; 11. Lisa Lockhart, 13.96; 12. Tiany Schuster, 14.10; 13. Kimmie Wall, 19.07; 14. Kassie Mowry, 19.24; 15. Stevi Hillman, 23.67. Average standings: 1. Hailey Kinsel, 27.34 seconds on two runs; 2. Nellie Miller, 27.38; 3. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 27.61, 4. Kathy Grimes, 27.75; 5. (tie) Tillar Murray and Ivy Conrado, 27.79 each. World Standings: 1. Tiany Schuster, $260,378; 2. Stevi Hillman, $195,952; 3. Nellie Miller, $177,768; 4. Amberleigh Moore, $157,037; 5. Kassie Mowry, $145,894; 6. Hailey Kinsel, $140,015; 7. Kathy Grimes, $132,785; 8. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, $123,660; 9. Sydni Blanchard, $108,131; 10. Taci Bettis, $107,023; 11. Lisa Lockhart, $106,454; 12. Tillar Murray, $102,789; 13. Kellie Collier, $97,569; 14. Ivy Conrado, $92,412; 15. Kimmie Wall, $86,294.

 

Bull riding: 1. Garrett Smith, 87 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s J Lazy, $26,230; 2. (tie) Sage Kimzey and Joe Frost, 86.5, $18,192 each; 4. Trey Benton III, 85.5, $11,000; 5. Jordan Hansen, 84.5, $6,769; 6. Cole Melancon, 78.5, $4,231; 7. Ty Wallace, Tim Bingham, Jordan Spears, Dustin Bowen, Roscoe Jarboe, Trevor Reiste, Guthrie Murray, Brennon Eldred and Boudreaux Campbell, NS. Average standings: 1. Trey Benton III, 175.5 points on two head; 2. Garrett Smith, 172.5; 3. Joe Frost, 170.5; 4. Sage Kimzey, 165.5; 5. Roscoe Jarboe, 87 points on one head. World Standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $265,345; 2. Garrett Smith, $253,797; 3. Ty Wallace, $167,077; 4. Trey Benton III, $157,702; 5. Joe Frost, $155,925; 6. Jordan Spears, $141,423; 7. Roscoe Jarboe, $133,586; 8. Tim Bingham, $129,515; 9. Cole Melancon, $117,850; 10. Jordan Hansen, $109,429; 11. Trevor Reiste, $107,121; 12. Dustin Bowen, $104,668; 13. Brennon Eldred, $102,991; 14. Boudreaux Campbell, $102,294; 15. Guthrie Murray, $97,288.

All-around world standings: 1. Trevor Brazile, $298,183; 2. Tuf Cooper, $240,022; 3. Junior Nogueira, $172,660; 4. Caleb Smidt, $166,221; 5. Ryle Smith, $150,876; 6. Russell Cardoza, $149,026; 7. Erich Rogers, $147,649; 8. Dakota Eldridge, $114,200; 9. Josh Peek, $105,470.

 

LAS VEGAS – Entering the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER, Trey Benton III was feeling healthy.

After Round 1 of the WNFR, Benton was feeling fantastic.

The bull rider from Rock Island, Texas, scored 90 points on Big Stone Rodeo Inc’s Mortimer to win the first round on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Thomas & Mack Center.

“I’ve always been broken up here,” Benton said, “so knowing I’ve got a chance … I have never been healthy here, but the tribulations make a man.”

Benton picked up right where he left off at the end of the 2017 regular season. Benton won back-to-back nights in Sioux Falls, S.D., Sept. 29-30, both Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events.

He was 91 points on Sept. 29 and he closed the season with 88 points Sept. 30. He was right back at it in Las Vegas on Thursday.

“I’ve got to make a statement for nine more rounds and do what I’ve done all year and stick to the system I had intended – to do whatever it takes to stay on and nothing else matters,” Benton said. “I need to take care of myself here (in Vegas). I hadn’t had good experiences here before, and I want to make sure I do it right this time.”

Benton did it right in Round 1. The win climbed him two places, earning him $26,231, and moved him up to fourth in the WEATHER GUARD® PRCA World Standings. He’s earned $146,702 on the season.

Setting the bar with the first 90 of the rodeo in the first round shows that Benton is ready to roll.

“I honestly didn’t know it would be a 90, I got an A-plus for the day,” Benton said. “I just nodded and hoped for the best; it’s hard to tell the fans that, but you get a drift of things after a while. I’ve done this my whole life.”

 

Defending champ Waguespack back at it

A year ago, steer wrestler Tyler Waguespack won $213,218 to not only capture the RAM Top Gun Award for winning the most money at the 2016 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, but he also claimed his first world title.

Waguespack picked up right where he left off from last year, winning Round 1 after posting a 3.5-second time – his second fastest at the WNFR, and tied for the fourth fastest time in the history of the first round.

“Coming into it, I always try and treat it just like another rodeo and that’s pretty hard with the stage that it’s on,” the defending champion said. “I don’t know if the hype gets to me or I just get excited, but whatever I’m doing sure seems to be working. I thought if I could start it off with a bang in the first round, it will relax me for the rest of the time and I’m glad I got that accomplished.”

Waguespack entered the 2017 WNFR in fourth place. The first-round win moved him up to third with $140,175, with Ty Erickson still holding the lead with $173,152.

Over the 2016-17 WNFRs, Waguespack has placed in nine of the last 11 WNFR rounds.

Waguespack was planning to ride Cadillac – the 2014 and 2016 PRCA/AQHA Horse of the Year – in Vegas, but had to switch to Scooter when Cadillac was injured before the WNFR. The transition was seamless.

“I got off one horse of the year and got on another and Scooter was awesome,” the Gonzales, La., cowboy said. “I was able to ride Scooter several times throughout the year and have success on him.”

 

WNFR rookie tops saddle bronc riding

It didn’t take long for saddle bronc rider Hardy Braden to enjoy his first trip to the WNFR.

The 28-year-old cowboy from Welch, Okla., scored 87.5 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s HATitude Alpha Dog to win his debut.

Braden summed it up succinctly.

“I don’t think it gets any better than that,” he said. “What tops that? That is how you want to start out the Finals and I’m super excited – I can’t even tell you how excited I am.”

Braden entered the Finals in seventh place in the world standings. The victory pushed him up two spots to fifth.

Braden got plenty of advice in the weeks and months leading up to his trip to Las Vegas. He listened to it all, but also made sure not to change much.

“A lot of people asked me if I was nervous and this and that, and I told them I’ll treat it like any rodeo and everyone said, ‘Good luck,’” Braden said. “I did the same routine as any rodeo, and I didn’t get nervous or think about it too much.”

The win gives Braden $139,004 for the season and gives him plenty of confidence with nine more nights to go.

“I can relax and say, ‘Alright, it’s begun,’ and now enjoy the moment,” Braden said. “I’ll hang with my bronc rider friends, then talk to my dad and try to win some money at the casinos.”

 

Team roping leaders hold serve in Round 1

Team roping header Kaleb Driggers and team roping heeler Junior Nogueira maintained their status as the ones to beat, posting an impressive 4.1-second go to win Round 1.

Driggers and Nogueira tied for the second fastest time in the first round.

“It’s a blessing, honestly,” Driggers said. “When we started this week, we weren’t going for first. We were just going to try to go for our steers and make the best runs we can, and let it play out.”

Watching the other teams go before could affect the way Driggers and Nogueira would attack their steer. They changed that up for 2017.

“It’s hard not to get your adrenaline pumping when you’re watching the headers spin ’em fast,” Driggers said. “That’s one thing I had to do, tell myself to settle down, do my job and do the best I can.”

It helped that Driggers and Nogueira knew the steer.

“We know them a little bit, we’ve roped them before,” said Brazilian cowboy Nogueira, the reigning all-around world champion. “We helped to break them in. We know which ones were running faster and which ones were running slower. We had a pretty good steer tonight.”

Driggers leads all headers with $170,208, while Nogueira leads heelers with $170,938.

After the duo each finished in second place in 2016 in their respective events, the two are flying high after Round 1.

“There are a lot of guys that didn’t make it that rope just as good as we do and are sitting at home,” Driggers said. “So, we just try to take it all in stride, you know? It’s a blessing to be here and we’re very grateful.”

 

Vold tops bareback riding

Jake Vold opened the WNFR in eighth place, nearly $100,000 behind leader Tim O’Connell in the bareback riding standings.

Vold knows he needs a great WNFR if he has any hope of catching the defending world champion. He got off to a great start Thursday night.

Vold scored 87.5 points on Kesler Championship Rodeo’s Oakridge to win the bareback riding and take home $26,231. The win leapfrogged Vold from eighth to third.

“It’s a good confidence builder here,” he said. “There are a lot of horses here and going at that kind of money, I find quite exciting. It keeps your blood flowing. I need to win a lot of money to have a chance at a world title. To get a win right off the bat is definitely key. Hopefully a guy can keep it rolling and see what happens after 10 days.”

Last season, Vold won three consecutive rounds, placed in seven rounds and finished second in the world standings. So, the Ponoka, Alberta, cowboy – in his third trip to the WNFR – is finding himself at home in Las Vegas.

“The atmosphere here is so unbelievable and the people, everything, the bright lights, just being in Vegas, going at the money every night keeps you pretty excited,” said Vold, 30. “When you’ve got a chance to go at that every night for 10 nights in a row it’s a game changer.”

His 87.5 points tied for the fourth most in Round 1.

 

New experience for veteran Jarrett in tie-down roping

Ryan Jarrett has plenty of experience at the WNFR.

He’s qualified 10 times in tie-down roping, once in steer wrestling and won a world title in all-around in 2005, the same year he won the Finals tie-down roping average.

But on Thursday night, the 33-year-old Georgia cowboy accomplished something he’d never done before – winning Round 1 at the WNFR.

Jarrett did that in 7.5 seconds to take home first place, four-tenths of a second faster than anyone else on the first day of the 2017 edition of the WNFR.

“This is a good feeling,” said Jarrett, who will turn 34 on Dec. 28. “I’ve never won the first round, so this is exciting. Getting started off like this means a lot. Winning Round 1 is like no other (for your confidence) and winning rounds doesn’t get old.”

The victory moved Jarrett from eighth to fifth in the world standings with $132,286 on the year.

Jarrett had plenty of confidence in his horse.

“I was riding a young horse, he is just 7 years old, his name is Snoopy,” Jarrett said. “He’s never been here, but I rode him toward the end of the (regular) season and I had a lot of confidence on him and I chose to bring him here. I wanted to be against the barrier and I knew he would do his job. You get confidence in him, but to bring him to this level, you have to have a different kind of confidence in him, and he came through.”

 

Miller notches victory in return

Before Thursday night, Nellie Miller hadn’t competed in the Thomas & Mack Center since 2010.

Miller made a triumphant return to the WNFR, winning Round 1 in 13.64 seconds.

“This round win is a tremendous start to the week and it gives you a lot of confidence in that arena,” said Miller, sitting in third place in the world standings. “It is what we came here to do. Everything worked out. I didn’t win any rounds at the 2010 NFR, so this is new for me and I am just so excited.”

Miller was riding Rafter W Minnie Reba “Sister,” who won AQHA Horse of the Year and the WPRA Horse with the Most Heart award, voted on by the Top 15 Barrel Racers in 2015.

Miller immediately pointed to Sister as a reason for the win.

“My run was amazing,” she said. “Sister is so confident in what she’s doing. She hunts the barrels and she always turns, no matter what. She just went in there and looked for those barrels.”

 

Brazile pads all-around lead

Trevor Brazile continues to lead the way in search of his 14th all-around gold buckle.

After the first round at the WNFR, Brazile had won $271,952, giving him a $31,930 lead over his brother-in-law, Tuf Cooper.

Brazile added to his lead over Cooper by tying for second place in the tie-down roping and winning a check for $18,192.

 

First Performance Results, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017

 

Bareback riding: 1. Jake Vold, 87.5 points on Kesler Championship Rodeo’s Oakridge, $26,231; 2. Orin Larsen, 86.5, $20,731; 3. (tie) Tim O’Connell and Mason Clements, 85, $13,327 each; 5. J.R. Vezain, 84.5, $6,769; 6. (tie) Caleb Bennett and Steven Dent, 84, $2,115 each; 8. R.C. Landingham, 83.5; 9. Jake Brown, 82.5; 10. Ty Breuer 82; 11. Richmond Champion, 81; 12. Bill Tutor, 80.0; 13. Tanner Aus, 79.5; 14. Wyatt Denny, 78.5; 15. Clayton Biglow, 75.0. World Standings: 1. Tim O’Connell, $225,243; 2. Tanner Aus, $146,657; 3. Jake Vold, 138,391; 4. Clayton Biglow, $138,153; 5. J.R. Vezain, $130,081; 6. Orin Larsen, $129,971; 7. Wyatt Denny, $119,353; 8. Caleb Bennett, 118,793; 9. Jake Brown, $113,212; 10. Richmond Champion, $111,196; 11. Mason Clements, $109,441; 12. Bill Tutor, $106,039; 13. Steven Dent, $105,767; 14. R.C. Landingham, $99,261; 15. Ty Breuer, $99,106.

 

Steer wrestling: 1. Tyler Waguespack, 3.5 seconds, $26,231; 2. Tyler Pearson, 3.9, $20,731; 3. (tie) Scott Guenthner, Jon Ragatz, J.D. Struxness, Rowdy Parrott and Chason Floyd, 4.3, $7,531 each; 8. Dakota Eldridge, 4.5; 9. (tie) Olin Hannum and Kyle Irwin, 4.8 each; 11. Ty Erickson, 5.5; 12. Nick Guy, 6.5; 13. Tanner Milan, 6.6; 14. Ryle Smith and Baylor Roche, NT. World Standings: Ty Erickson, $173,152; 2. Tyler Pearson, $140,649; 3. Tyler Waguespack, $140,175; 4. Olin Hannum, $120,951; 5. Scott Guenthner, $117,032; 6. Baylor Roche, $109,340; 7. Ryle Smith, $103,463; 8. Jon Ragatz, $94,871; 9. Tanner Milan, $94,073; 10. J.D. Struxness, $93,973; 11. Nick Guy, $92,968; 12. Rowdy Parrott, $91,088; 13. Dakota Eldridge, $90,981; 14. Kyle Irwin, $89,684; 15. Chason Floyd, $88,723.

 

Team roping: 1. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 4.1 seconds, $26,231 each; 2. Jr. Dees/Tyler McKnight, 4.3, $20,731; 3. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, 4.6, $15,654; 4. (tie) Erich Rogers/Cory Petska and Charly Crawford/Joseph Harrison, 4.8, $8,885 each; 6. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 4.9, $4,231; 7. Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens, 5.2; 8. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 5.5; 9. Clay Tryan/ Jade Corkill, 5.6; 10. Chad Masters/ Travis Graves, 5.7; 11. Tom Richards/Jeremy Buhler, 9.3; 12. Luke Brown/Jake Long, Dustin Bird/Russell Cardoza, Dustin Egusquiza/Kory Koontz and Garrett Rogers/Jake Minor, NT. World Standings: (headers) 1. Kaleb Driggers, $170,208; 2. Erich Rogers, $152,596; 3. Clay Smith, $138,748; 4. Luke Brown, $121,611; 5. Riley Minor, $110,818; 6. Jr. Dees, $109,694; 7. Coleman Proctor, $108,033; 8. Chad Masters, $95,509; 9. Charly Crawford, $93,090; 10. Tom Richards, $91,415; 11. Clay Tryan, $91,383; 12. Cody Snow, $89,236; 13. Dustin Bird, $88,288; 14. Dustin Egusquiza, $87,437; 15. Garrett Rogers, $85,614. (Heelers) 1. Junior Nogueira, $170,938; 2. Cory Petska, $152,596; 3. Paul Eaves, $142,866; 4. Billie Jack Saebens, $120,930; 5. Jake Long, $113,082; 6. Brady Minor, $110,818; 7. Tyler McKnight, $110,105; 8. Russell Cardoza, $109,774; 9. Travis Graves, $102,418; 10. Joseph Harrison, $97,332; 11. Jade Corkill, $91,383; 12. Wesley Thorp, $90,836; 13. Jake Minor, $85,614; 14. Kory Koontz, $84,652; 15. Jeremy Buhler, $78,006.

 

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Hardy Braden, 87.5 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Hatitude Alpha Dog, $26,231; 2. CoBurn Bradshaw, 87, $20,731; 3. Ryder Wright, 86.5, $15,654; 4. Cody DeMoss, 85.5, $11,000; 5. (tie) Zeke Thurston, Jake Wright and Heath DeMoss, 85, $3,667 each; 8. Jacobs Crawley, 81; 9. Sterling Crawley, 80; 10. Brody Cress, 79.5; 11. (tie) Layton Green and Clay Elliott, 79 each; 13. Audy Reed, 78; 14. Taos Muncy, 71; 15. Jesse Wright, NS. World Standings: 1. Jacobs Crawley, $193,927; 2. Zeke Thurston, $184,122; 3. CoBurn Bradshaw, $154,846; 4. Cody DeMoss, $140,657; 5. Hardy Braden, $139,004; 6. Ryder Wright, $125,015; 7. Layton Green, $120,613; 8. Brody Cress, $115,665; 9. Jake Wright, $105,411; 10. Sterling Crawley, $102,992; 11. Heith DeMoss, $102,280; 12. Clay Elliott, $99,332; 13. Taos Muncy, $98,402; 14. Jesse Wright, $86,630; 15. Audy Reed, $85,649.

 

Tie-down roping: 1. Ryan Jarrett, 7.5 seconds, $26,231; 2. Trevor Brazile, 7.9, $18,192; 3. Marcos Costa, 7.9, $18,192; 4. Cade Swor, 8.1, $11,000; 5. J.C. Malone, 8.2, $6,769; 6. Caleb Smidt, 8.3, $4,231; 7. Tuf Cooper, 8.4; 8. Cooper Martin, 8.6; 9. Tyson Durfey, 9.0; 10. Shane Hanchey, 9.6; 11. Timber Moore, 9.8; 12. Matt Shiozawa, 10.7; 13. Cory Solomon, 11.9; 14. Randall Carlisle, 18.4; 15. Marty Yates, 19.7  . World Standings: 1. Tuf Cooper, $200,444; 2. Caleb Smidt, $156,425; 3. Marcos Costa, $150,094; 4. Shane Hanchey, $134,498; 5. Ryan Jarrett, $132,286; 6. Trevor Brazile, $129,626; 7. Tyson Durfey, $117,423; 8. Marty Yates, $107,173; 9. Cade Swor, $106,460; 10. Matt Shiozawa, $103,363; 11. J.C. Malone, $103,068; 12. Timber Moore, $95,962; 13. Randall Carlisle, $95,566; 14. Cooper Martin, $95,438; 15. Cory Solomon, $95,210.

 

Barrel racing: 1. Nellie Miller, 13.64 seconds, $26,230; 2. Kassie Mowry, 13.68, $20,730; 3. Hailey Kinsel, 13.69, $15,654; 4. Kathy Grimes, 13.85, $11,000; 5. Tillar Murray, 13.89, $6,769; 6. Ivy Conrado, 13.90, $4,230; 7. Lisa Lockhart, 13.98; 8. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 13.99; 9. Tiany Schuster, 14.07; 10. Kellie Collier, 14.13; 11. Kimmie Wall, 14.14; 12. Sydni Blanchard, 14.18; 13. Stevi Hillman, 18.68; 14. Amberleigh Moore, 18.95; 15. Taci Bettis, NT. World Standings: 1. Tiany Schuster, $260,378; 2. Stevi Hillman, $195,952; 3. Nellie Miller, $166,768; 4. Kassie Mowry, $145,894; 5. Kathy Grimes, $132,785; 6. Amberleigh Moore, $130,806; 7. Hailey Kinsel, $124,361; 8. Taci Bettis, $107,023; 9. Lisa Lockhart, $106,454; 10. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, $102,930; 11. Tillar Murray, $102,789; 12. Sydni Blanchard, $101,362; 13. Kellie Collier, $93,338; 14. Ivy Conrado, $92,412; 15. Kimmie Wall, $86,294.

 

Bull riding: 1. Trey Benton III, 90 points on Big Stone Rodeo’s Mortimer, $26,231; 2. Roscoe Jarboe, 87, $20,731; 3. (tie) Garrett Smith and Tim Bingham, 85.5, $13,327 each; 5. Joe Frost, 84.0, $6,769; 6. Boudreaux Campbell, 82.5, $4,231; 7. Sage Kimzey, 79.0; 8. Ty Wallace, Cole Melancon, Jordan Spears, Dustin Bowen, Jordan Hansen, Trevor Reiste, Guthrie Murray and Brennon Eldred, NS. World Standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $247,152; 2. Garrett Smith, $227,566; 3. Ty Wallace, $167,077; 4. Trey Benton III, $146,702; 5. Jordan Spears, $141,423; 6. Joe Frost, $137,732; 7. Roscoe Jarboe, $133,586; 8. Tim Bingham, $129,515; 9. Cole Melancon, $113,619; 10. Trevor Reiste, $107,121; 11. Dustin Bowen, $104,668; 12. Brennon Eldred, $102,991; 13. Jordan Hansen, $102,660; 14. Boudreaux Campbell, $102,294; 15. Guthrie Murray, $97,288.