For the Record: San Francisco
Since 1941, the Grand National Stock Show & Rodeo in San Francisco has played host to some of ProRodeo’s biggest names and most talented cowboys – but only the best made the arena record book.
In a ride that’s unlikely to be topped, bull rider Don Gay set the arena record with a 97-point ride on RSC’s Oscar in 1977. Gay’s score is the third-highest in ProRodeo history, and it’s four points higher than any bull ride made throughout the 2018 season. (The top scored PRCA ride was a 100-point ride – a perfect score – by Wade Leslie on Growney’s Wolfman in Central Point, Ore., in 1991, while Denny Flynn posted a 98-point ride on Steiner’s Red Lightning in Palestine, Ill., in 1979.)
Gay went on to be among the inaugural class of inductees to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979. The Texas cowboy won eight world championships (1974-77, 1979-81 and 1984). Since winning his last world crown, Gay has held the record with eight bull riding world titles. He was declared a Legend of ProRodeo in 2013.
Cowboys have from Oct. 12-20 to top Gay’s record, and others, while winning their share of the San Francisco prize money which counts for the 2019 season.
Rodeo records
• Total payout: $234,627, 2006
• All-around: $9,012, Trevor Brazile, 2007
• Bareback riding: 92 points, Ty Murray, 1991 (169 points on two head, Jason Havens, 2007; 255/3, Ty Murray, 1991)
• Steer wrestling: 2.7 seconds, Luke Branquinho, 2007 (7.8/2, Matt Deskovick, 2008; 12.2/3, Clayton Hass, 2007)
• Team roping: 4.0 seconds, Logan Olson/Broc Cresta, 2008 (11.4/2, Daniel Green/Todd Hampton, 2008; Jake Cooper/Matt Garza, 2009; 14.8/3, Chad Masters/Michael Jones, 2003)
• Saddle bronc riding: 90 points, Bradley Harter, 2008 (171/2, Spencer Wright, 2012; 245/3, Ryan Mapston, 1997)
• Tie-down roping: 7.3 seconds, Blair Burk, 2006 (16.8/2, Shane Slack, 2010; 24.6/3, Trevor Brazile, 2007)
• Barrel racing: 14.80 seconds, Pamela Capper, 2015
• Bull riding: 97 points, Don Gay, 1977 (180/2, Bryan Richardson, 2002; Thomas Bert, 2004)
Courtesy of PRCA