Team Roping World Title Race Ends In Split Decision; Smith & Thorp Are 2019 Champs
Right: Clay Smith secured his second consecutive heading world title at the 2019 NFR (PRCA ProRodeo Photo by Clay Guardipee). At left, Wesley Thorp, 24, claimed his first heeling world championship in 2019. (PRCA ProRodeo Photo by Steve Gray)
By Lane Karney
Special to Ropers Sports News
Clay Smith and Wesley Thorp are the 2019 World Champion Team Ropers. Clay headed for Jade Corkill. Wesley heeled for Cody Snow. Due to differences in money won between partners on both teams riding into the $10 million, December 5-14 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, a split decision was in the mix all along. The resulting implication was a nail-biting, dramatic-fashion finish where the world titles came down to Round 10.
Bareback Rider Biglow Claims First World Title At 2019 NFR; Kimzey Wins 6th Straight
Reigning World Champion Header Clay Smith will rope with Jade Corkill, and plans to ride his gray horse, Marty. – Kirt Steinke/Western Rodeo Images Photo
Courtesy ProRodeo
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - Sage Kimzey is still the king of PRCA bull riders.
The Strong City, Okla., cowboy won his sixth consecutive world championship at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo before 16,904 fans at the Thomas & Mack Center, Saturday night.