ProRodeo Sports News - August 2, 2019

EVENTS AROUND VEGAS

How lucrative is the World Series of Team Roping? Last year, it paid out $13 million in prize money, making it the second-richest equine event in the world after The Breeders’ Cup, with all seven divisions boasting added money in excess of $1 million. Bob Freeman and 2009 World Champion Header Nick Sartain were the big winners in 2018, pocketing $282,000 apiece for their exploits. The World Series of Team Roping, which will take place December 7-15 this year, continues to enjoy a positive growth trajectory. “It’s been going up about $1 million every year for the last five to six years,” says Denny Gentry, president of the World Series of Team Roping. “We’ve been ecstatic about the growth, and we’ve never had a hiccup the whole time we’ve been [in Las Vegas]. We’ve maxed out hotel rooms and parking lots, and I just don’t know how we can do more than we’ve done.” Because of its success, the World Series of Team Roping—which oper- ates with a staff of 125—has proven to be an ideal complement to the Wrangler NFR in providing opportu- nities for contestants, as well as great entertainment options for fans of rodeo and roping. “We take a joint approach with the PRCA [Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association] and Las Vegas Events and say, ‘Hey, we’re going to do $23 million in 10 days, and that’s a hell of a boost to the cowboy world,’” Gentry says. Another competition that has expe- rienced tremendous growth in recent years is the ALL IN Barrel Race pre- sented by Stetson, which takes place at The Orleans Arena. The event, which will stage a trio of three-day races from Dec. 5-15, is now in its fourth year and is also riding a wave of success. The barrel races paid out more than $700,000 last year, and event organ- izers expect as many as 1,500 barrel racers to enter this December. Using a five-division format, the ALL IN

The World Series of Team Roping features thousands of competitors and more than $13 million in prize money

THERE ARE MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FANS WHO LIVE AND BREATHE THE WESTERN LIFESTYLE TO SEE IMPRESSIVE ATHLETES ALL OVER TOWN DURING RODEO WEEK

Barrel Race allows talented cowgirls from around the country to square off against high-caliber competition for a chance at five-figure paydays. Last year’s big winners were Lynette Clyde, Cindy Woods and former Wrangler NFR qualifier Sydni Blan- chard, who each won $15,000 after winning titles in the top division. With big payouts assured across all divisions in 2019, the competition should be stiff once again. “What’s unique about this race is that even the 5D pays $11,000 for first place,” says event producer Chris Woodruff. “The 5D format allows

the girl who only competes once a week or once a month the chance to compete and still win money. The [former] NFR competitors can come as well, and the payouts are good.” The barrel race is accompanied by separate $25,000 added futurity and youth championship events, and this year’s schedule also will include a qualifier for next year’s prestigious The American rodeo on December 15. Not only that, but organizers are adding the ALL IN Breakaway Roping competition during the second stage of races from December 9-11. Besides serving as a qualifier for The American, the event will

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Photo: World Series of Team Roping.