ProRodeo Sports News -March 5, 2021

DIXIE NATIONAL RODEO JACKSON, MISS. Robinson’s focus on big rodeos pays off On Target BY MATT NABER T ie-down roper Clint Robinson is raising kids and racehorses while shooting for his sixth trip to the National Finals Rodeo and first since 2014. With so much going on at home in Utah, he can’t be gone for long so he’s taking a more targeted approach to ProRodeo competition, and so far, he’s been hitting bull’s-eyes.

TOP MONEY WINNER Clint Robinson, ($6,099 tie-down roping) BAREBACK RIDING TOP SCORES

He kicked off the 2021 season by winning the RAMWilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo on Nov. 7 to qualify for the upcoming RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., April 9-10. Then, he won the Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, Miss., Feb. 17. Flying to rodeos saves Robinson time but makes bringing his horses impossible. Fortunately, Spiderman was ready to go when Robinson arrived in Jackson. Spiderman is owned by Bryson Sechrist, winner of the 2020 San Angelo (Texas) Rodeo. “Spiderman has the timing I like and he’s really solid,” said Robinson, 38. “Bryson has had him for a few years and nearly made the NFR a few times. Spiderman just doesn’t get in your way and he’s a winner.” Robinson was fifth in the first round in 7.8 seconds and tied for fourth in the second round in 7.9 seconds to win the two-head average and take home $6,099. Robinson knows what it takes to make the NFR, having qualified in 2006, 2008- 09, 2012 and 2014. “I think this year will be a lot like last year since we don’t know what rodeos will happen and which ones won’t,” Robinson said. “A guy wants to go to a lot of Tour rodeos, and at rodeos like Jackson there’s a chance to win three checks.” Robinson’s Jackson earnings boosted him from 13th to fourth in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. Robinson has had to balance rodeo with his family life and his other career. “We raise racehorses and barrel horses at home, so I need to strategize where I can hit but also be at home to help,” Robinson said. But he’s also not ready to stop trying to make the NFR. “I want to give myself a chance to go back to the Finals one more time,” Robinson said. “I made them in 2014 and was 16th (in the world standings) in 2015. I don’t know if the desire was gone from being gone from the family and lacking confidence in roping, but I have a new horse now and I’m enjoying roping. “I got to the point where if I did want to leave the house it was pointless since I wasn’t going to win. It has to be fun or you won’t want to go. My roping feels better now, and my confidence is back where it needs to be. We will see how the year goes.” Bareback rider Richmond Champion posted a 91-point ride on Brookman Rodeo’s Famous Dex, tying the re- cord set by Justin McDaniel in 2009. A change in the barrel racing layout caused the previous record of 14.23 seconds set by Sherry Cervi in 2009 to be topped by 21 barrel racers this year, with Randee Prindle winning in 13.89 seconds. Champion IN BRIEF RECORD-BOOK UPDATE

Robinson

1. Richmond Champion ............. 91 pts. 2. Shane O’Connell ............................ 90 3. Tanner Aus .................................... 88 STEER WRESTLING 1. Tyler Pearson ................ 7.9 sec. on 2 2. Jule Hazen ................................... 8.4 3. Three tied at ................................. 8.6 TEAM ROPING 1. D. Egusquiza/T. Graves ......... 4.0 sec. 2. Three tied at ................................. 4.5 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Wyatt Casper .......................... 88 pts. (Tie) Riggin Smith ......................... 88 3. Two tied at ................................. 85.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Clint Robinson ............ 15.7 sec. on 2 2. Macon Murphy ........................... 16.9 (Tie) Shane Hanchey .................. 16.9 BARREL RACING 1. Randee Prindle ................. 13.89 sec. 2. Abby Pursifull .......................... 13.91 3. Sherry Cervi ............................. 13.92 BULL RIDING 1. Trevor Kastner ........................ 91 pts. 2. Ky Hamilton .................................. 90 3. Fletcher Jowers ............................. 89

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ProRodeo Sports News 3/5/2021

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