ProRodeo Sports News - Feb. 21, 2020

FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO Hay ties Fort Worth record

Saddle bronc rider Dawson Hay seized a grand opportunity at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Feb. 8. The Canadian cowboy who replaced Jesse Wright in the finals won with a rodeo record- tying, 91-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Xena Warrior. “This is an amazing rodeo and I was really bummed at first when I didn’t quite get into the short go,” said Hay, 21. “Then when I got in, the amount of great horses that were here you could win on any of them. When I saw the draw and saw my name up against that horse again I was excited because I knew I had a chance to win it.” Hay matched the Fort Worth saddle bronc riding record of 91 points set by Cody Wright in 2011. The last time Hay rode Xena Warrior was at RodeoHouston last year when he had an 89-point ride to finish third in the finals March 16. “That horse (Xena Warrior) is so droppy and so strong, and about two seconds into the ride I about stubbed my toe there and had my feet in my saddle, but I was able to get sat back down and make the whistle,” Hay said. “That’s one of my favorite rides ever now.” Hay departed Fort Worth after earning $23,080, which left him smiling. “It’s incredible,” Hay said. “It’s awesome to see how many of these rodeos are upping their money and making it so you can make an honest living riding broncs nowadays doing what we love.” This was the first time Calgary Stampede brought stock to the historic Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. In December, Hay made his Wrangler NFR debut. He earned $97,436 in Las Vegas, highlighted Rodeo’s Sue City Sue. He finished seventh in the 2019 PRCA | RAM World Standings with $197,747. Hay is the son of standout saddle bronc rider Rod Hay, a 20-time Wrangler NFR qualifier – 1989-90, 1992-2008, 2010. by his Round 6 win with an 88.5-point ride on Mo Betta

James Phifer photo Saddle bronc rider Dawson Hay had a rodeo record-tying 91-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Xena Warrior in the finals to collect $20,000.

ProRodeo Sports News 2/21/2020

ProRodeo.com

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