Wrangler NFR Round 9
Hailey Kinsel runs another sub 17 time to win round number nine. Photo by Roseanna Sales Photography.
BLACKFALDS, Alberta - When news broke that the number three cowgirl, Dona Kay Rule would not be competing at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo after testing positive for Covid19, rodeo fans were up in arms. But rules are rules, and all competitors were aware of what would happen if they received a positive result. The barrel racers got together and decided that that they would wear turquoise in round nine to show their love and support for Dona and her great horse High Valor, who was the 2020 AQHA Horse of the Year. Jessica Telford who finished 16th in the season went to Arlington, Texas to fill her spot.
Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday won the round with a 16.81, their fourth sub 17 second time, and fifth go round win this week. The duo also broke their own WPRA record in round eight with a 16.56. Kinsel sits number one in the standings and also in the average, and looks to take home another World Champion title. She has run a total of 39 runs at the WNFR and has won 15, with one remaining in 2020. Wenda Johnson picked up a second place cheque for the 17.18 run, her fastest time of the finals. Cheyenne Wimberley ran a 17.21 for third place, her third cheque of the week, Emily Beisel with a 17.22 for fourth. Ryann Pedone pulled her first cheque of the week, wrapping her first barrel and crossing the line with a 17.28. She qualified for the finals on Stinger, who is by Streak of Fling and out of Sherry Cervis great mare, Stingray. Unfortunately he was injured before the finals, leaving Pedone to jump jockey several different horses, including HP Firewater Fiesta, French Zone and JS Milo and Stitch.
Calgary Stampede horse Arbitrator Joe helped take Resistol Rookie of the Year, Cole Reiner to the pay window in Round 9 with 89.5 points. Orin Larsen had a nice ride scoring 83.5 for a 6th place cheque. Kaycee Feild drew on True Grit from Wayne Vold Rodeo and spurred for 87.5, finishing second in the round.
There was a three way split in the steer wrestling. Matt Reeves, Jacob Talley and Tyler Waguespack all with a time of 3.5 seconds. Reeves winning on Canadian horse Tyson. Determining the world champion will come down to round 10.
Tuf Cooper was a 6.9 in the tie-down roping to win the round. Colby Lovell and Paul Eaves tied for first with Chad Masters and Wesley Thorp running a 3.8 in the team roping.
Over to the saddle bronc, Wyatt Casper on Zena Warrior from Calgary Stampede won the round with 88 points. The Calgary Stampede brought 17 horses between the bareback and saddle bronc, more than they’ve ever had at any National Finals Rodeo. Ryder Wright sits number one in the world and the in the average.
Stetson Wright made one hell of a ride away from his hand tonight in the bull riding. He rode Record’s Rack Smoke Stack from Beutler & Son Rodeo for 92 points. Stetson has clinched 4 wins in 9 tries at this years WNFR.
The tenth and final round starts December 12th, at 6:45PM CT.
Full go round results can be found at www.prorodeo.com
Don’t forget to vote for the Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award.
