Superstar Stetson Wright to Miss Remainder of Wrangler NFR with Hamstring Injury
LAS VEGAS – Rodeo superstar Stetson Wright’s 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is over.
Wright, a seven-time world champion – all-around (2019-22), bull riding (2020, 2022) and saddle bronc riding (2021), will miss the remainder of the NFR because of a right hamstring strain.
The Wrangler NFR completed Round 2 Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center. Wright was competing in saddle bronc riding and bull riding.
“He said he’s out for the remainder of the rodeo,” said Justin Sportsmedicine Medical Director Dr. Tandy Freeman to the ProRodeo Sports News. “We filled out a doctor’s release for the remaining eight rounds. He’s not going to try and come back in two rounds or five rounds, he’s through.”
Calls by the ProRodeo Sports News to Stetson Wright late Saturday night went unanswered.
During Round 2 Saturday night, Wright was bucked off Big Rafter’s Wild Valley in saddle bronc riding. Wright, who was emotional after that ride, didn’t attempt to get on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Bloomer’s Midnight Rider, the bull he drew in Round 2.
Wright is on the verge of clinching his fifth all-around world title. He has $479,621 and Nelson Wyatt is second with $182,612. Wyatt, a team roping header, is competing at the NFR with heeler Jonathan Torres. Wyatt still has a very slim mathematical chance to overtake Wright atop the all-around standings.
Wright remains first in the bull riding PRCA | RAM World Standings with $378,630. Ky Hamilton is second with $321,780. Wright is third in the saddle bronc riding standings with $261,626.
The dynamic Wright failed to make a qualified ride in saddle bronc riding or bull riding at this NFR.
Courtesy of PRCA