Eldred Takes Upper Hand in Cheyenne
by Justin Shaw | Jul 25, 2015
By Susan Kanode for Cheyenne Frontier Days
CHEYENNE, Wyo., (July 24, 2015) – It was more than a great day for bull rider Brennon Eldred at Cheyenne Frontier Days on Friday – it was stellar.
Eldred, who is second in the PRCA world standings, rode United Pro Rodeo bull Maximum Justice Black for 86 points. That not only puts him in great position to win his first championship from the “Daddy of ‘em All,” it gave him the win in the first round and earned him $5,816.
That money is very important for the Sulphur, Okla., resident as he pursues his second Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualification. Eldred is currently second in the world standings and about $5,000 behind Sage Kimzey, the reigning world champion.
Kimzey was also successful in Frontier Park, scoring 76 on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Lite ‘em Up. Kimzey and Eldred will have their second round competition here on Saturday. There have only been six men who have ridden two bulls, and with 16 qualifying for Sunday’s championship finals, they are likely to be extending their stay in Cheyenne.
The big money winner here so far is tie-down roper Marty Yates, from Stephenville, Texas. He roped and tied his calf in 10.0 seconds, just one-tenth of a second off of the arena record of 9.9 set in 1997 by Chad Johnston. Yates has won $6,357 so far. He is second in the standings here and while his position might change, he should be among the top 12 ropers who qualify for Sunday’s finals.
Canada’s Guy Shapka was the last contestant to win the rookie bronc riding (1983) and the saddle bronc riding (1988) here. Cort Scheer from Elsmere, Neb., is hoping to be the next. Scheer won the rookie here in 2008. He scored 82 points here on Friday to place second in the first round. That was worth $3,687 for Scheer, who was five points behind Utah’s Jesse Wright – who had 87 to win $4,809. Scheer needs 83 points on Saturday to take control of the overall standings.
Saturday’s competition will determine second round winners and championship finals qualifiers. The rodeo starts at 12:15 p.m. The top 12 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, and women’s barrel racing will advance. In the bull riding, the best 16 will qualify. The rookie saddle bronc riding champion will also be crowned at Saturday’s rodeo.
Courtesy of PRCA