ProRodeo Sports News February 16, 2024

FORT WORTH, TEXAS

FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO

Clay Smith is no stranger to success on the big stage – the Oklahoma cowboy has won two PRCA Team Roping Header World Championships in 2018 and 2019. Smith shined bright again – this time with partner/ heeler Coleby Payne – to win the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo at Dickies Arena. The duo stopped the clock in 4.5 seconds in the finals to win the rodeo, Feb. 3. Smith and Payne earned $25,000 for their work in Fort Worth. “I have been able to go really fast right to them, it seems like,” Smith said. “The only thing I had to do was not mess up. I think we have some depth with our horses and that’s going to be important for the summer because that’s when it is really going to come into play, having horsepower in the summer.” This was Smith’s second career win in Fort Worth. He also won in 2016 roping with Paul Eaves. Payne had a simple approach to the finals run. “I wanted to win first obviously, but this rodeo is so good,” said Payne, who is aiming to make his Wrangler NFR debut in 2024. “We knew our steer was pretty good and Clay does such a great job, he made it pretty easy. This is huge for our confidence. “It’s awesome roping with Clay. I know if I do my job, I’m going to get paid.” Smith/Payne capture team roping crown

Team rop ers Clay Smith/ Coleby Payne were in top form in Fort Worth, winning the sto ried rodeo with a 4.5-sec ond run in the finals.

James Phifer photo

The pressure of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo short round is not one to be taken lightly. It provides contestants with the opportunity to strike early season gold and take a step toward the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Two cowboys rose to the occasion at Dickies Arena in the steer wrestling. Tanner Brunner and Dalton Massey clocked identical 3.7-second runs to split the win, both pocketed $16,000 for their final’s performance. Brunner was quick to credit the work of his horse, Lions Famous Kitty. “The horses I’m on are amazing, they are really a life blessing for me,” said Brunner, a four-time Wrangler NFR qualifier. “Having a good hazer on the other side can really make a difference as well. It all came together for me here.” Massey was the first cowboy to run a steer in the short round. He embraced setting the pace for the seven other contestants behind him. “Being first out I feel like it kind of takes the pressure off of you honestly,” said Massey, 30. “You get to put the pressure on everyone else. In a setup like this you are better off to be last because you know what you have to be. But all the steers were good, and I really liked the one I had drawn. “My horse (Eddie) gave me a good chance tonight. I can’t thank Tanner Milan enough for sending him with us and Clayton Hass for jumping on and hazing tonight and all week. He did an awesome job.” Holding that Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo buckle in your hand is an accomplishment not many cowboys get the opportunity to have. Brunner considers it one of the brightest moments he’s experienced so far in his career. “This atmosphere is so electric in here, it really is,” Brunner said. “It will rank right up there with one of my top memories in rodeo. I’m just happy to have the opportunity to compete here.” As for Massey, he hopes this will get the ball rolling in the right direction to get back to Las Vegas this season, as he chases gold buckle No. 1 after finishing second a year ago. “It was awesome competing at my first NFR,” Massey said. “Even having a chance at a gold buckle in Round 10 was a great opportunity and a blessing. I’m ready to get back there in 2024 and try to do it again.” Brunner and Massey split FWSSR steer wrestling title

Steer wrestlers Tanner Brunner, left, and Dalton Massey, right, split the win in Fort Worth with identical 3.7-sec ond runs in the finals at Dickies Arena.

James Phifer photos

ProRodeo Sports News 2/16/2024

ProRodeo Sports News 2/16/2024

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