ProRodeo Sports News - April 1, 2022

RODEO AUSTIN

Caleb Bennett snares Rodeo Austin title

Rodeo Austin had made plenty of memories for bareback rider Caleb Bennett and he added another chapter in 2022. Bennett won the rodeo for the third consecutive time with an 87-point ride on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s South Suds. “I had never been on that good stud of Bennie’s (Beutler), but I knew I had a good chance to win,” Bennett said. “He was a unique animal and dang sure good at his job. He left real hard and after the first three or four jumps it was a dogfight. It comes down who wants it more and I was bound and determined that I wanted it more, so I capitalized.” Rodeo Austin was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I really have (felt comfortable in Austin),” Bennett said. “I really come into a zone here in Rodeo Austin. I’ve had really good luck and I have been very blessed to draw good horses. I also have had good health and had the opportunity to do my job.” Bennett, a nine-time qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, departed Austin with $15,604. “This was a blessing (in Austin) because the winter run has been a little rough and to close out the month of March with a win like this, I couldn’t be more excited,” said Bennett, 33. “I’m going to keep carrying on throughout the next month or so and into the summer. I hope like heck that my body holds up and thank the good Lord above for all the healing and strength he has blessed me with so far. “To get this win, to feel like I’m finally back in my own zone feels really good rolling on to these next few months.”

Peggy Gander photo Veteran bareback rider Caleb Bennett won Rodeo Austin for the third time in a row with his 87-point ride on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s South Suds.

ProRodeo Sports News 4/1/2022

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