Some Ups, Some Downs in WNFR Round 6
LAS VEGAS – Dawson Hay had watched his Canadian buddies Zeke Thurston and Jake Watson win go rounds at this Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and figured he might as well take a turn in the spotlight. The Wildwood, Alberta WNFR rookie got the job done on Mo Betta Rodeo’s Sue City Sue for an 88.5 and the $26,230 first place cheque.
“Yeah, it’s pretty cool that all three of us have won go-rounds now,” Hay acknowledged. “Those guys are as happy for me that I won as they are when they win themselves and I’m just as happy for them.” Hay had high praise for the horse that carried him to his first WNFR buckle. “I got on that horse at Cody (Wyoming) and got the win there so I was pretty happy to have her. With this pen of horses everybody has a chance every night and I couldn’t be more excited.”
World leader Zeke Thurston and second place man, Ryder Wright both took no scores in the round, leaving the Big Valley, Alberta bronc rider in fourth place in the average with three members of the Utah Wright clan as his closest pursuers. Thurston sits at $251,000, with Ryder at $241,000, Rusty at $195,000 and Spencer at $179,000 after a night that surprisingly saw all four of the top guns finish out of the money.
A trio of cowboys took the victory lap in the bareback riding. Utah’s Caleb Bennett, Texan Tilden Hooper and season leader, Clayton Biglow of Clements, California made the circuit of Las Vegas’ Thomas and Mack Arena after their 89.5 point rides on Tuesday night. Bennett’s performance was on the Calgary Stampede’s eight year-old gelding You See Me.
“I think tonight that horse had a great trip and it all worked out.” Bennett grinned. “This will be my first time to South Point (the nightly buckle presentations) so I’m looking forward to that.”
Canadian Orin Larsen kept his championship aspirations in play as he posted an 87.5 on Calgary’s Arbitrator Joe for a 5/6 split and a $5500.00 cheque. The Manitoba cowboy sits in second place in the world standings and continued his climb up the average rankings, moving to eighth place as Biglow continues to sit first overall ($34,000 ahead of Larsen) and first in the average.
Two time Canadian Finals qualifiers Riley and Brady Minor claimed top spot in the team roping in the sixth round with a 4.0. The Ellensburg, Washington brother combination cashed their fourth cheque of the week and sit fourth in the average and third in the world standings. 2019 Canadian Champions Matt Sherwood of Pima Arizona and Texas cowboy Hunter Koch rebounded from a round five no time to post a 4.6 – good for fifth in the round. Clay Smith and Jade Corkill continue to hold a comfortable lead in the world standings.
In the bull riding, Crockett, Texas talent, Boudreaux Campbell turned in a sparkling 92.5 ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Priefert’s Tequila Worm. 2016 Canadian Champion Jordan Hansen bucked off Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Torch while World leader Sage Kimzey is on cruise control as he closes in on a sixth consecutive world title. Kimzey was third in the go-round, has ridden five out of six to lead the average and has a $114,000 lead in the world standings.
Two time and defending World Champion Tyler Waguespack made a move in the steer wrestling event in Round 6. The Gonzales, Louisiana cowboy, who has placed five times to date clocked a 3.8 second run for his second round win which jumped the 29 year old to the lead in the World standings and further secured his hold on top spot in the average. Canadian Champion Scott Guenthner, Provost, Alberta was quick on the clock as well, posting a 3.9 to win a share of 2-3 with JD Struxness from Milan, Minnesota. Both men pocketed $18,192. Guenthner sits sixth in the World but is well down in the average.
Ty Harris earned his second consecutive round win with a 7.1 at the Thomas and Mack Tuesday night. The San Angelo, Texas rookie has $75,788 in Finals earnings and sits second in the World with $173,437. Unfortunately, however, the 2019 CFR contender is not in line at this point, to pick up any average money. Canadian Champion Shane Hanchey continues to hold down first in the World standings, adding a 4/5 split for $8884 in round six. Hanchey’s challenges earlier in the week see the Sulphur, Louisiana roper in ninth in the average but he enjoys a $36,000 cushion at the top of the leaderboard.
The barrel racing saw Oregon cowgirl, Amberleigh Moore running the fastest time of the Finals, 13.55 seconds, from second position on the ground to pick up her second round win. The four time WNFR qualifier has an impressive $114,923 in 2019 Finals earnings and has moved to second in the World right behind defending Champion Hailey Kinsel-Lockwood. Hot hand Emily Miller was sixth Tuesday. The Oklahoma cowgirl is third in the World and first in the average.
About the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association
The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) with headquarters in Airdrie, Alberta is the
sanctioning body for professional rodeo in Canada. The CPRA approves 55 events annually with a total payout exceeding $5.7 million. The organization holds their premiere event – the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) – at Westerner Park in Red Deer, AB, November 3-8, 2020 and will oversee the Finning Pro Tour Finals September 6 in Armstrong, BC and the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals December 2-5 at Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, SK. Follow the CPRA on Twitter and Instagram @prorodeocanada, ‘Like’ Canadian Professional Rodeo Association on Facebook or online at RodeoCanada.com.
Courtesy of CPRA