ProRodeo Sports News - February 3, 2023

DENVER

NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW & RODEO

The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver has become like a second home for team ropers Clay Smith/Jake Long. As the second to last team out, they knew exactly what they had to do and delivered. They stopped the clock in 3.9 seconds to take home the title in the winner takes all finals inside the Denver Coliseum. It marks the third time Smith has won the NWSSR and the fourth for Long. They knew they would have to be fast after reigning PRCA World Champions Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira put together a 4.1-second run before them. “We knew that there were some tough teams up today and we knew it could really go anybody’s way,” said Smith, an eight-time Wrangler NFR qualifier. “That’s where position means a lot. “As far down as we were we kind of got to decide what we wanted to do. I knew what he (Long) was going to do and that’s heel them fast. We had to decide what to do, we make a clean run and place third or fourth or go for it and try to win. So, we decided let’s try to put together a good one.” Long echoed a similar statement as his partner. He said he’s most comfortable roping when they have to be fast to reach the pay window. “Truthfully, going fast is when I’mmost comfortable,” said Long, 38. “He (Smith) set him up really good, so it really wasn’t a risk on my end to take my shot. It was all Clay setting him up and getting him turned. My part was pretty easy after that.” Smith/Long failed to place in either of the first two rounds but struck paydirt when it mattered most. They are excited to see what the 2023 season has in store after a key early season win. Smith and Long snare Denver team roping title

Ric Andersen photo Veteran team ropers, heeler Jake Long, left, and header Clay Smith stopped the clock in 3.9 seconds in the finals for the Denver victory.

Bareback rider Garrett Shadbolt shows no signs Bareback rider Garrett Shadbolt wins Fresh off

Stetson Wright garners first-ever win in Denver It’s tough to find a rodeo across the country that StetsonWright hasn’t already won in his six-year ProRodeo career. Heading into 2023, the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo had always been a thorn inWright’s side. Whether he had gotten bucked off or didn’t draw the stock he wanted, he had never found success inside the Denver Coliseum. That all changed on Jan. 22 whenWright climbed aboardThe Cervi Brothers’ Ed Bishop. The eight-second saddle bronc ride was good enough for 90 points andWright’s first title in Denver. “I mean I don’t ever dislike rodeos, but this one was always one I was mad coming to because they would either buck me off or I wouldn’t do good,” he said. “I’m glad I kept coming back because the end goal is always to win.” He said when he saw his draw the night before he knew he was going to be in for a fight. “Nobody really knew what he was, but I remembered him,” saidWright, a seven-time PRCAWorld Champion. “He bucked me off so hard in California last year. I was telling them that this horse could be Horse of the Year. When I got the draw the night before I was tickled pink.”

his second consecutive appearance at the National Finals Rodeo, bareback rider Garrett Shadbolt got his 2023 season going by winning Denver with an 89.5-point ride on The Cervi Brothers’ On Second Thought.

of taking his foot off the gas pedal.

Fresh off his second appearance at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge in December in Las Vegas, Shadbolt won the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo on Jan. 22 in Denver. Shadbolt collected the title with an 89.5-point ride onThe Cervi Brothers’ On SecondThought in the finals. “I just watched Keenan (Hayes) get on that horse and he was 90 (points) at the (RAMMountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo, Oct. 22) and I was excited to have that horse,” Shadbolt said. “He jumped out there and made that right turn and those two jumps around to the right were strong and he was kicking through it. But I kept in good shape around that, and he straightened out and let me do some polishing up around the end. He was pretty strong around those two jumps.” Shadbolt, who has had two career Wrangler NFR appearances in 2021 and 2022, finished 13th in last year’s PRCA | RAMWorld Standings with $151,257. He earned $47,308 in Las Vegas.

Ric Andersen photo Stetson Wright added a Denver championship to his impressive resume with his 90-point ride on The Cervi Brothers’ Ed Bishop.

Ric Andersen photo

ProRodeo Sports News 2/3/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 2/3/2023

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