TRU Radio Segment with Derek Beck, Sponsored by TD Angus at Rishel Ranch
LAS VEGAS — Round 3 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo produced major leaderboard movement Thursday night inside the Thomas & Mack Center, highlighted by standout performances in steer wrestling, roughstock events and timed events.
Steer wrestler Ty Erickson, the 2019 world champion, delivered the fastest run of this year’s NFR with a 3.5-second effort. Erickson entered the round ranked 14th in the world but vaulted to third with the go-round win while also taking the lead in the average. JD Struxness, representing Purple Wave, finished fourth.
In bareback riding, Waylon Bourgeois continued an impressive first NFR appearance, winning his first career round with an 88.75-point ride. Area competitors Jess Pope and Garrett Shadbolt earned checks with fifth- and sixth-place finishes in a highly competitive pen.
Team roping
delivered one of the fastest rounds of the week, ending in a three-way tie at 3.8 seconds. Among the round winners were brothers Dawson and Dillon Graham, whose time pushed Dawson to fifth and Dillon to third in the world standings. The Territory’s
header Andrew Ward and heeler Jake Long maintained their lead in the average through three rounds.
In saddle bronc riding, Statler Wright claimed the round with an 88.25-point ride on Angel Cat, continuing the strong showing by the Wright family during this year’s Finals.
Tie-down roper Riley Webb, the reigning world champion, posted a 7.0-second run to secure his first round win of the week, ending Shad Mayfield’s run of victories in the opening two rounds. Nebraska’s Riley Pruitt finished in a tie for fifth.
Barrel racer Carlee Otero won the round with a 13.54-second run, moving her into the top five in the world standings as the battle for the championship tightens.
In bull riding, Tristen Hutchings rebounded from two previous no-scores to post a 90.5-point ride—the highest-marked effort of this year’s NFR. Regional competitors Mason Moody and Luke Mackey received no scores.
Round 4 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo continues Friday in Las Vegas.