LAS VEGAS — Night Two of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo delivered high-energy rides, fast times and big leaderboard moves Friday inside a packed Thomas & Mack Center. An announced crowd of 17,731 fans watched several contenders strengthen their gold-buckle bids, while others took hits that tightened the world title races. Here were the round winners along with the results from our Territory cowboys.
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Bareback Riding
Rocker Steiner shook off last year’s Round 2 buck-off with a redemption ride aboard Silver Beaver, marking 88 points to win the round and $36,668. Wacey Schalla followed with 86. Nebraska’s Garrett Shadbolt of Merriman split third with an 84, and Kansas cowboy Jess Pope posted an 83.25 to keep himself in the average standings. South Dakota’s Mason Moody continued to battle through the NFR pen but finished out of the money.
Steer Wrestling
Hollywood stuntman and bulldogger Tucker Allen turned in the night’s quickest time with a 3.6-second run, vaulting him to No. 2 in the world behind Will Lummus. Nebraska’s Riley Pruitt had a tough outing and recorded no time.
Team Roping
Jake Smith and Douglas Rich took the top spot with a smooth 3.9-second run, lighting up the arena and securing the round win.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Australian bronc rider Damian Brennan fired off a 90-point trip aboard Prairie Fire to take the round victory. Defending world champion Ryder Wright and Stetson Wright stayed tight behind him. Weston Patterson of Waverly, Kansas, bucked off and finished without a score, while Luke Mackey of Ignacio, Colorado, continued to grind through the toughest bronc pen of the week.
Tie-Down Roping
A three-way tie decided the round as Shad Mayfield, Marty Yates and Dylan Hancock each stopped the clock at 7.8 seconds. Mayfield now trails world standings leader Riley Webb by only $1,600. Nebraska’s Pruitt did not record a time but remains a threat as the week rolls on.
Barrel Racing
Four-time world champion Hailey Kinsel and her standout mare Sister turned in a blazing 13.53 to win the round and take the lead in the world standings.
Bull Riding
Stetson Wright continued his dominant NFR run, conquering previously unridden bull Orbit for 89.5 points and another round win. Wright remains in control of both the all-around and bull riding world standings. Kansas cowboy JR Stratford and South Dakota’s Mason Moody stayed in the mix despite missing out on round money.
Night Three of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo continues Saturday in Las Vegas. Follow full coverage and updates at Territorial Rodeo Update on Facebook and YourAgNetwork.com.