RODEOHOUSTON® WILD CARD CONTESTANTS COMEPETE FOR ONE LAST SHOT AT CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
The competition was excellent as competitors battled it out for their last hope to make the RODEOHOUSTON Championship Round and have a shot at the $50,000 purse.
TIE-DOWN ROPING
Shad Mayfield knew he had to be fast. He had an 8.9-second run that gave him the Wild Card win and advanced him to the Championship Round.
“It was pretty nerve wrecking, especially roping at the end,” said Mayfield. “I just have so much trust in that horse.”
Advancing to the Championship Round (total winnings to date):
- Shad Mayfield: Clovis, New Mexico — $6,000
- Tuf Cooper: Decatur, Texas — $5,500
BAREBACK RIDING
The Bareback Riding was electric as Jesse Pope rode for 88 points aboard San Angelo Sam from Pete Carr Pro Rodeo.
“It takes a special mind to do this,” said Pope. “It’s a fistfight, that’s how I see it.”
Advancing to the Championship Round (total winnings to date):
- Jesse Pope: Garnett, Kansas — $10,500
- Jacob Lees: Canyon, Texas — $4,500
TEAM ROPING
The young duo JR Dees and Levi Lord had a blazing fast time of 4.4 seconds to have a chance of winning the $50,000 in the Championship Round.
Advancing to the Championship Round (total winnings to date):
- JR Dees: Aurora, South Dakota; and Levi Lord: Stephenville, Texas — $20,000
- Tyler Wade: Terrell, Texas; and Trey Yates: Pueblo, Colorado — $14,000
SADDLE BRONC RIDING
Wyatt Casper made a spectacular ride for a staggering 92 points.
“This is really confidence boosting going into the short round,” said Casper.
Advancing to the Championship Round (total winnings to date):
- Wyatt Casper: Miami, Texas — $5,750
- Sage Newman: Melstone, Montanna — $7,500
STEER WRESTLING
Jacob Talley knew the talent he was up against, but did not break under pressure as he won the Wild Card Round with a 4.1 second run.
“When I back into the box, it all becomes clear,” said Talley.
Advancing to the Championship Round (total winnings to date):
- Jacob Talley: Keatchie, Louisiana — $5,000
- Timmy Sparin: Helena, Montanna — $6,000
BARREL RACING
An ecstatic Jimmie Smith has the fastest time of the Rodeo on a horse that had never ran in NRG Stadium. The duo made a smoking 14.43-second run.
“That was the first time this horse has run here,” said Smith. “It was very nerve wrecking not being able to see the right barrel because I always go left.”
Advancing to the Championship Round (total winnings to date):
- Jimmie Smith: McDade, Texas — $5,000
- Emma Charleston: Reeds, Missouri — $8,000
BULL RIDING
Clayton Savage was one of the two bull riders to make the 8 seconds. Savage ended the night with an 80 point ride aboard Corn Pop, from Cervi Championship Rodeo.
“I just have to take it one jump at a time,” said Savage. “This place just lights my fire and it feels good to get a second chance.”
Advancing to the Championship Round (total winnings to date):
- Clayton Savage: Banner, Wyoming — $9,000
- Josh Frost: Randlett, Utah — $5,000
The top two from each event in the Wild Card Round advanced to the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Championship, Saturday, March 19. Each event champion will walk away with a $50,000 payout, in addition to previous winnings.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $550 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2022 Rodeo continues through March 20. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.
