Canadians Struggle in WNFR Round Four
On a night that spelled frustration for several of the Canadian competitors at this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, it was all about redemption for one bronc rider from north of the 49th parallel.
Twenty-four hours after being disqualified for missing his horse out, Q (Quinten) Taylor from Parkland, Alberta enjoyed his best moment at his first NFR as he rode Optiwize’s Tickled Pink from Championship Pro Rodeo to 86.5 points. The ride earned Taylor his first cheque of the Finals, a fourth place stipend of $15,377.
Two of his compatriots, Ben Andersen and four time World Champion Zeke Thurston, split sixth with identical 85.25 point rides to earn $2957 each. Andersen’s ride was on Wayne Vold Rodeo’s Elvira. Thurston, the Big Valley, AB superstar, remains in contention for a fifth world title as he sits third in the World standings. The round was won by Stetson Wright with 88.5 points on the Calgary Stampede’s outstanding seven year old gelding F-38 Freedom Xpress. Wright, who is leading the All Around standings, moved to fifth place overall in the saddle bronc riding after round four. One of the casualties of a generally tough night for Canadians, was Dawson Hay who missed his horse out and was unable to improve on his fourth place standing going into the round.
A couple of Canadian Champions made the leaderboard in tie-down roping. Two time Champ and 2019 World Champion Haven Meged from Miles City, Montana was 7.4 to split 3-4 and collect $18,630 while four time Canadian titleist Shane Hanchey (Sulphur, LA) was 7.5 for a fifth place payday of $9463. First time qualifier Kyle Lucas (Carstairs, AB) recorded his first time in the four rounds to date. His 9.8 second run was outside of the placings for the round.
For complete WNFR results, visit www.prorodeo.com
For more information:
Barb Poulsen
CPRA Communications and Media
Phone: 403 625-9225
Email: media@rodeocanada.com