National Western Stock Show Rodeo Favorite Sets the Pace in Barrel Racing
By: Susan Kanode
Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi from Lampasas, Texas, has the fastest barrel racing time at the National Western Stock Show Rodeo so far. Riding Babe On the Chase “Birdie” she stopped the clock in 14.84 seconds on Monday. If she continues to set the pace, she could win her sixth championship here. NWSS photo by Ric Andersen.
DENVER, Colo. – Rodeo fans would be hard pressed to find a rodeo contestant that has been more successful at the National Western Stock Show presented by Centura Health than barrel racer Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi.
The Lampasas, Texas, resident is the defending champion after winning the title here in 2022. That was the fifth time she left Denver with the championship. Tonozzi competed in the first round of Bracket 5 on Monday afternoon and now has the fastest time of the rodeo so far.
She and her great mare Babe On The Chase “Birdie” were first out and their 14.84-second time put them first in their bracket and first in the round. They have their second competition Tuesday night and even though they will be last out, they stand a good chance of qualifying for the semifinals here.
Second in the barrel racing was California’s Katie Pasco with a 15.22, a significant spread in an event timed in hundredths of seconds. All of Bracket 5’s competitors will have their second round Tuesday night. At the completion of that performance, the three with the fastest total times or highest total scores will advance to Saturday’s semifinals.
Tonozzi is certainly hoping to be among those qualifiers and add another Denver title to her rodeo resume. Rodeo fans can see all of the action on the Cowboy Channel. Tuesday’s rodeo starts at 7 p.m. and will see the fifth set of competitors making plans to be back here over the weekend.
DENVER, Colo. — The following are results from the National Western Stock Show Rodeo, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.
Ninth Performance —
Bareback Riding: Clay Jorgenson, Watford City, N.D., 82 points on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s View Master. 2, Bradlee Miller, Huntsville, Texas, 80.5. 3, Kade Sonnier, Carencro, La., 4, Will Norstrom, East Helena, Mont., 78.5.
Steer Wrestling: 1, Brandon Harrison, Creek, Texas, 4.3 seconds. 2, Jace Melvin, Fort Pierre, S.D.,4.6. 3, Trey Jackson, Keenesburg, Colo., 9.7. 4, Gage Hesse, Keenesburg, Colo., 14.6.
Team Roping: 1, (tie) Rhett Anderson, Annabella, Utah, and Chris Young, Wittman, Ariz and Chet Weitz, London, Texas, and Jace Davis, Stephenville, Texas, 5.3 seconds. 3, Clint Keller, Winston Salem, N.C., and Morgan Jones, Town Creek, Ala.,5.5. 4, Clayton Van Aken, Yoder, Wyo., and Rich Skelton, 5.6.
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Q McWhorter, San Louis Obispo, Cali., 82.5 points on Cervi Brothers Rodeo’s San Luis. 2, Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo., 80.5. 3, Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas, 77.5. 4, Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Australia, 76.5.
Tie-Down Roping: 1, Chet Weitz, London, Texas, 8.3 seconds. 2, Reese Reimer, Stinnett, Texas, 8.8. 3, Trenton Smith, Bigfoot, Texas, 8.9. 4, Zaine Mikita, Byers, Colo., 9.0.
Women’s Barrel Race: 1, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas, 14.84 seconds. 2, Katie Pasco, Morro Bay, Cali., 15.22. 3, Brittney Sporer, Stephenville, Texas, 15.28. 4, Steely Steiner, Oakley, Utah, 15.36.
Bull Riding: 1, Connor Murnion, Jordan, Mont., 84.5 points on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Younger Brother. . 2, Cullen Telfer, Plant City, Fla., 79. 3, Wade Berg, Chaffee, N.D., 76. 4, Ethan Skogquist, Elk River, Minn., 61.
About the National Western Stock Show — Established in 1906, the National Western Stock Show is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization that provides college and graduate level scholarships in agricultural-related fields of study. Its mission is to serve producers and consumers throughout the world by being the premier stock show, equestrian competitions, and center for year-round events. The 16-day show also serves as an entertainment arena, hosting one of the world’s richest regular season professional rodeos, family and educational shows plus Colorado’s largest western trade show. For more information, visit nationalwestern.com.