For the Record: California Rodeo Salinas
The records at California Rodeo Salinas aren’t like most other rodeos as four events have both their single run and average records held by the same person – so the team ropers, saddle bronc riders, barrel racers and bull riders have their work cut out for them if they want to top history’s best scores.
Since 1911, California Rodeo Salinas has played host to some of the biggest names of ProRodeo and witnessed some of their best rides – but only the best make this iconic rodeo’s record book.
Starting today (July 20) through July 23, cowboys will bring their A-game as they compete for the top scores, biggest prize money and a chance to claim one of the highly-coveted Salinas trophy buckles. Of course, each ride and run is an opportunity to make history and claim a spot in the Salinas record book.
Ty Murray holds the oldest Salinas record with his 1990 all-around earnings, totaling $8,853.
Bareback rider Cody DeMers set the Salinas record in 2002 with his 89-point ride. More than a decade later, Ryan Gray set the two-head average record with 169 points in 2013.
Steer wrestler Dru Melvin’s 2011 time of 4.9 seconds remains at the top of the list, while Frank Thompson’s three-head average record of 18.8 seconds has been in place since 2003.
Team ropers Derrick Begay and Cesar de la Cruz hold two Salinas records – first in 2009, with their 6.4-second run. Then, in 2013, the duo returned to Salinas to set the five-run average record with 42.8 seconds.
Saddle bronc rider Billy Etbauer also holds two Salinas records, both of which were set in 2002 – a 90-point ride and 173 points on two head.
Tie-down roping’s records are all tied up as Chad Johnson and Trevor Brazile share the arena record of 8.9 seconds – Johnson set the record in 1997, and Brazile matched him in 2008. Meanwhile, Bill Warner and Brent Lewis share the three-head average record – Warner clocked in at 29.6 seconds in 1997, and Lewis matched him in 2001.
Barrel racer Christina Richman set two Salinas records in 2011. Her 15.62-second run contributed to her record-setting four-run average time of 63.77 seconds.
Bull rider Mike White set two records in 1999 – a 93-point ride which boosted him along in setting the two-head average record of 179 points.
The largest total payout in Salinas was in 2013 with $408,472.
Courtesy of PRCA