ProRodeo Sports News - Sept. 3, 2021

Canadian cowboy’s sights on Vegas after Xtreme Broncs Tour title Hay Fever BY TANNER BARTH A year after having his season derailed due to a serious concussion, Dawson Hay is back and better than ever in 2021. The Wildwood, Alberta, saddle bronc rider has his sights set on returning to the Wrangler with a 92-point ride on Sutton Rodeo’s South Point in the short round. It’s a horse he last faced at the 2019 National Finals Rodeo. “I got on that horse in the 10th round of the NFR in 2019 and I was 88 points there,” Hay said. “I knew they won this deal on her last time, so there was a possibility for a big score. That horse gives you everything you need to win, you just have to do your job.” Hay wrapped up the 2021 PRCA Xtreme Broncs XTREME BRONCS FINALE RAPID CITY, S.D.

National Finals Rodeo. He’s in a prime position to do that after winning his first PRCA Xtreme Broncs Tour title with $62,254. The championship comes after he won the PRCA Xtreme Broncs Tour Finale on Aug. 26. Hay took it to the 25-rider field at the Tour Finale, winning the two-head average with 179 points to edge out Wade Sundell – who split the 2019 Xtreme Broncs Tour Finale title – by a half point. It was a bittersweet moment for Hay. “It’s an incredible feeling, and honestly, I just feel truly blessed to be healthy this time of year for once,” said Hay, 23. “Last year things were going really well, but then I got hurt and had to miss most of the season, it was disappointing. It’s one of the first years I’ve been completely healthy, and to be able to compete at rodeos like these I’m tickled pink.” Hay earned $26,678 at the finale after tying for second in the first round, winning the short go and winning the average. The average win was worth $14,241. He secured not only the finale win but the tour title 1. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta. .........$62,254 2. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta. ........36,905 3. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah.........33,707 4. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa. ..............32,609 5. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo.. ................23,292 6. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah. ..................20,624 7. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, AB......19,629 8. Shorty Garrett, Eagle Butte, S.D.. ..........18,342 9. B. Andersen, Rocky Mtn. House, AB. .....17,420 10. Tegan Smith, Winterset, Iowa..............14,001 11. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont.........13,788 12. Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif..................12,059 13. Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Australia......11,967 14. K’s Thomson, Lundbreck, Alberta. .......11,708 15. Logan James Hay, Wildwood, Alberta. .11,203 PRCA XTREME BRONCS 2021 TOUR STANDINGS (Unofficial as of Aug. 31)

Tour in the top spot with $62,254, nearly doubling two- time World Champion ZekeThurston’s runner-up tour earnings of $36,906. The win moves Hay one step closer to a return trip to the Wrangler NFR. “Last year didn’t go the way I wanted to, but this year everything seems to be back on track,” Hay said. “My goal for this year was to enter the NFR in the top five positions, and this sets me up to do that.” But the young saddle bronc rider knows there’s still work left to be done. With a month left in the regular season he sits fourth in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. “Each year I set attainable goals for myself, and this year it was to be in the top 5,” Hay said. “Anything else is extra for me. I’m just going to go into it from here on out with no safety on and just hope for the best. To win a gold buckle is everyone’s ultimate goal in this sport.”

$26,678 Dawson Hay won the most money ever at a single PRCA Xtreme Broncs event by winning the Xtreme Broncs Tour Finale.

Alaina Stangle photo Dawson Hay took a victory lap after winning his first PRCA Xtreme Broncs Tour title Aug. 26.

Clay Guardipee photo Dawson Hay posted the highest-scored ride of the Xtreme Broncs Finale with a 92-point ride on Sutton Rodeo’s South Point in the short round.

Complete results/Page 65

ProRodeo Sports News 9/3/2021

ProRodeo Sports News 9/3/2021

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