Trey Benton III Wins First Round at RAM NCFR

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Veteran bull rider Trey Benton III has covered his share of bulls and won his share of rodeos.

So, when the six-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier climbed aboard Painted Pony Championship Rodeo’s Cocktail Diarrhea for the first time Friday afternoon he took things in stride.

When the eight-second whistle sounded, the Richards, Texas, cowboy had an 85-point ride to win the first round of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo at Silver Spurs Arena.

“That ride was awesome,” said Benton, 29. “He was great and everything I could ask for.”

Benton, who qualified for the NFR in 2012-14, 2017-19, was aware of what’s at stake at the RAM NCFR with the earnings counting toward the PRCA | RAM World Standings.

Benton added $5,202 to his standings climb with the first-round victory. He arrived in Kissimmee 12th in the world standings with $15,275.

“You definitely think about the payout here and how it will elevate you in the standings,” Benton said. “Josh Frost and I were talking about that earlier, and I was like, ‘Will you please not talk about how much money we can win here, I just want to stay on.’ You just kind of block it out and treat everyone like it’s your last.”

The second round kicks off Friday night and concludes Saturday afternoon. The semifinals and finals are slated for 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Contestants are vying for their share of the $507,000 purse.

“I just have to ride all four of my bulls and see how much I get paid after that,” Benton said. “A big check here would help me out a lot. Every little bit matters right now.”

The ride Friday afternoon was special for Benton since his wife, Reba, and their 6-month old son, Trey Benton IV, were in attendance.

“TB IV was behind the bucking chutes, and it’s a good push to have him and my wife here,” the elder Benton said. “You have to provide.”

Benton finished 24th in the world standings a year ago.

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