PRCA Photo by Hailey Rae
NFR Round 9: Champions and Contenders
The 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Teton Ridge, is drawing to a close after a thrilling Round 9 on Friday, Dec. 15. World champions have emerged in some events, while others are still undetermined heading into the tenth and final round on Dec. 16.
In the bareback riding, Rocker Steiner emerged as the top performer, scoring 87 points while riding Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics' Land Of Fancy. He earned $30,706 for his outstanding performance. Tim O'Connell secured the second position with a score of 86.5, earning $24,268, closely followed by Jess Pope and Cole Reiner, who both scored 85.5 points, each receiving $15,601.
Steiner is ranked third in the world with $265,218. He is tied for eighth place in the average, with a total of 749.5 points on nine rides.
The steer wrestling was dominated by Cody Devers, who got the job done in just 3.5 seconds and earned a well-deserved $30,706. J.D. Struxness followed closely with a time of 3.7 seconds, securing the second position and winning $24,268. Bridger Anderson completed the top three with a time of 3.8 seconds, earning $18,325.
Devers is 14th in the world standings with $144,839.
Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp claimed victory in the team roping, clocking an impressive time of 3.5 seconds, and each securing $30,706. Rhen Richard and Jeremy Buhler, along with Tanner Tomlinson and Patrick Smith, both achieved a time of 3.6 seconds, resulting in a tie for the second position, with each team receiving $21,296 per man.
Wade and Thorp are leading their respective header and heeler world standings with $257,540 and $274,767, respectively.
Zeke Thurston showcased his skills in the saddle Bronc riding, earning a score of 88.5 points while riding Calgary Stampede's Zaka Kibitz. His performance secured him $30,706. Lefty Holman claimed the second position with a score of 87.5 points, earning $24,268, while Wyatt Casper and Dawson Hay tied for the third position with scores of 86.5, each receiving $15,601.
Thurston is currently leading the world standings with $375,133, while Sage Newman is closely following behind with $344,100. Thurston also holds the top spot in the average with 776.5 points on nine rounds.
The tie-down roping witnessed a tie for the first position, with both Tuf Cooper and Westyn Hughes achieving a time of 7.1 seconds, resulting in each man receiving $27,487. Kincade Henry and Cory Solomon achieved a time of 7.5 seconds, leading to them both securing the third position and receiving $15,601 each.
Cooper moved up from No. 15 to No. 4 in the world standings with $241,456.
Kassie Mowry emerged as the standout performer in the barrel racing, clocking an impressive time of 13.37 seconds and securing $30,706. Lisa Lockhart secured the second position with a time of 13.41 seconds, earning $24,268, while Jordon Briggs claimed the third position with a time of 13.48 seconds and a prize of $18,325.
Mowry placed in five NFR rounds and is now second in world standings with $272,076 in earnings, including $138,274 in Vegas. However, no other barrel racer in the field can surpass Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi atop the world standings.
In the bull riding, Jeff Askey clinched victory with an impressive 89-point ride on Salt River Rodeo's Belly Dump. Hayes Weight secured the second position with a score of 86, while Josh Frost claimed the third position with a score of 82.
No other bull rider in the field can surpass Hamilton atop the world standings even if one cowboy was the lone rider in Round 10 ($99,053) and won the average ($78,747).
The tenth and final round of the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, sponsored by Teton Ridge, will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16.
