For The Record: New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo

The only thing hotter than the weather at the New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo in Albuquerque has been the record-setting competition the rodeo has witnessed since 1953.

Every dollar counts in the race for the Top 15 and a qualification to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER, so the chance to win several thousand dollars at this iconic rodeo as the end of the season approaches has cowboys bringing their A-game.

Lance Robinson set the Albuquerque record for most money won in all-around in 1989 with $7,620.

Bragging rights for Albuquerque’s bareback riding belong solely to Royce Ford. In 2006, he set the record with his 92-point ride and the three-head average record with 258 points. Then, in 2007, Ford set his third Albuquerque record by going for 174 points on two head.

Steer wrestler Roy Duvall’s 1974 time of 3.3 seconds remained untouched until Les Shepperson matched him in 2005. Meanwhile, Robinson has held onto the two-run average for 30 years with his 1987 record of 6.9 seconds on two runs.

Team ropers Derrick Begay and Victor Aros hold two arena records in Albuquerque. First, their two-run average record in 2007 of 8.8 seconds. In 2008, they returned to set a second record with a 3.8-second run.

Saddle bronc rider Heith DeMoss set two arena records in 2007. His 90-point record ride helped him also set the two-head average record of 172 points. Meanwhile, Tom Reeves holds the three-head average record with his 2001 total of 247 points.

Tie-down roper Trevor Brazile also set two arena records in one year at Albuquerque. In 2010, he clocked in with a 6.5-second record time, which helped him set the two-run average record of 14.1 seconds.

Barrel racer Cassie Moseley set two arena records in 2009. First, her 14.98-second record run, then she went on to set the two-run average record with 30.34 seconds.

Two bull riders nailed a score that’s nearly impossible to top in Albuquerque. Both Jack Himes (1972) and Dan Wolfe (2000) scored 95 points, a mere two points shy of being one of the top three highest-scored rides in PRCA history. Wolfe went on to also set the two-head average with 184 points in 2000.

Albuquerque’s record payout was in 2006 with $226,941.

Courtesy of PRCA