The Wrangler National Finals will once again showcase the top 15 in the PRCA in the great city of Las Vegas. This year brings many new things to light at the Finals and the most noticeable is the payoff, which has risen from a total figure of $6,375,000 to $8,800,000. This is the first year of the new payout and it will be affecting the year-end dollars of all the contestants. This has been a long time coming and my Resistol Hat’s off to all of those involved in getting this increase.
The team roping will be very interesting this year as Clay Tryan and Jade Corkill come to Vegas with over a $25,000 lead. With $1,100,000 up for grabs in each event, the races will be constantly changing. A go-round win this year will pay each roper, $26,230.77 and first in the average will pay $67,269.23 all of which are game changers in the world title race.
The team roping is represented by more prior world champions than any other event at the WNFR showing the longevity of the contestants in this event. The heading is represented by 17 former world champion team ropers and many potential champions. On the heeling side there are 21 past championships represented.To have an event that showcases 38 prior world championships is pretty special. This event has been represented by some awesome talent these past years and to have a Finals with no Rookies represented shows the skill of the current field. The best of luck to all entered in this years WNFR.
Team ropers have a longer stay in the main ranks of the PRCA because it is an event that one can do for many years, thus they are paying dues and being an active member longer that any other event. Another event that has longevity is the barrel race where we see members compete at mainstream competitions for many years and have made the WNFR in their golden years.
– – – – –
This year the South Point Equestrian Center will host many events. The Permit Holder Challenge will be held Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. The World Series Team Roping Finale will again be held at this fine facility and will feature competitors from around the world competing for the big dollars the event has to offer. This year the trade show will host many more vendors and each night the Casino will host the After Rodeo Parties. A great place to stay anytime your in Vegas.
– – – – –
Trevor Brazile has done it again by capturing another world title as this year’s PRCA Steer Roping Champion. This year he comes into the WNFR in fifth place in the Tie-Down Roping and fourth in the Team Roping Heading. The AA is already looking good for him as he comes into this year’s finals with over $140,000 lead in the race ahead of Tuf Cooper. Tuf is only in the Tie-Down roping while Trevor is in two events.
Third in the AA race this year is veteran JoJo LeMond with $137,877 won to date, however he will not be competing at the WNFR as he finished in the 16th position in the year-end standings. Matt Sherwood finished 15th with $67,436 and JoJo had $65,803. JoJo is a great hand and displays his talents each year at the Timed Event Championships at the Lazy E Arena where he competes in five events.
– – – – –
On December 10-12 Cinch along with Boyd Gaming will be presenting the Chute-Out at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The events will take place from 2-4pm each day featuring some of the top contestants who didn’t make this year’s finals. Check out the article in this issue for details and the contestant line-up.
– – – – –
The Feist Roping (BFI) has set the date for 2016. The roping will be held on Monday June 20th at the Reno Livestock Events Center, Reno, Nev. Make your plans now and call for your room reservations at the Silver Legacy Host Hotel, 1-800-687-8733 and use code BFI16. See the ad in this issue.
– – – – –
Ropers Sports News will be available throughout the South Point and at other vendors at the Convention Center as well as at Ropes Galore at the Sands Convention Center. Come by and pick one up.
Best of luck to all the contestants competing in all events during the WNFR. Hope to see you in Vegas.
– – – – –