Finals Set for Pendleton Round-Up Saddle Bronc Riding

Sage Newman’s ride on Thursday stood at the top after the final go-round of saddle bronc riding on Friday at the Pendleton Round-Up.

The finals for all events are set to begin at 1:15 p.m. pacific time in Pendleton, Ore.

Newman took the lead on Thursday with an 88-point ride on Four Star Rodeo's Kemosabi, which put him in position for $5,694 of go-round money after the completion of the last matinee performance on Friday.

He will ride last of 13 riders in Saturday’s finals.

Wyatt Casper rode on Friday and shook up the go-round standings, as he came in second place with an 87-point ride that netted him $4,365.

The No. 8 saddle bronc rider in the world is seeking his fourth straight trip to the National Finals Rodeo in the event and his fourth title of the season.

Zeke Thurston, who led the event after Wednesday’s go-round, along with Chase Brooks and Dawson Dahm, were tied for third with an 86-point ride. Brooks and Dahm joined him on Thursday, but the trio were tied for second. Each netted $2,214.

Q Taylor joined Stetson Wright in a tie for sixth place with his 84.5 ride on Friday. Wright posted his score on Wednesday. Each claimed $854.

Taylor is ranked No. 15 in saddle bronc riding this season and entered Pendleton seeking his fifth outright or shared title this season. Wright is the world all-around leader, No. 1 saddle bronc rider and 2021 NFR saddle bronc champion.

Lucas Macza, who posted an 84 on Thursday and moved into sixth place, finished in eight place and grabbed $569 in go-round prize money.

Saturday’s final rider list is set and they will complete in this order: Joseph Harper, Statler Wright, Garrett Long, Layton Green, Ryder Sanford, Macza, Taylor, Wright, Dahm, Brooks, Thurston, Casper and Newman.