ProRodeo Sports News -- May 24, 2024

COARSEGOLD, CALIF.

Ryder Wright cashes out at Coarsegold Striking Gold BY ALEX DODD R yder Wright, a two-time PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider in 2017 and 2020, cashed in on May 11 at the Veater Financial Bronc Match in Coarsegold, Calif. VEATER FINANCIAL BRONC MATCH

The 26-year-old from Beaver, Utah, outlasted 30 of ProRodeo’s best saddle bronc riders for a big confidence boost and a $15,566 payday at Veater Ranch. Wright’s successful trip to the Golden State moved him one step closer to qualifying for his ninth-straight Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. “These big wins and big bronc matches are always a plus,” Wright said. “They bump you up in the world standings and look pretty good in your bank account too.” Wright entered the event sixth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $61,216 earned. After the event, he bumped himself up to third. His big May payday marked his highest single-day earnings total of the season and continued a spring heater that includes a top finish at the San Angelo (Texas) Cinch Chute-Out on April 20. “I feel like I’m ten feet tall and bulletproof,” Wright said. “I’m ready for them to run some more underneath me.” Wright opened the day with a 91-point ride on Flying U Rodeo’s Good Time Nic to finish atop Section Four, earning $2,766 and advancing to the finals. In his last go-round, Wright tallied 87 points and $12,800 on Corey and Lange Rodeo’s Mojave Moon. “I was second out (in the finals) and the horse that I jumped on was super good,” Wright said. “I guess they liked it good enough. I don’t really know what sealed the deal.” The Veater Financial Bronc Match featured 30 of ProRodeo’s best saddle bronc riders and $50,000 of added money. The showcase took place in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Veater Ranch. Wright appreciated the setting and the opportunity to square off with other top-tier bronc riders. “It’s awesome to go up there in the mountains to a random arena at the top of the hill,” Wright said. “It’s pretty cool. It’s a cool event with good horses and lots of money.” Lefty Holman finished second in the finals with an 86.5-point ride, earning $9,600 and added $2,766 with an 85.5-point ride in Section One. Riggin Smith came in third in the finals with an 84-point ride tallying $6,400 and finished atop Section Five with 84 points and $2,766. “This a huge confidence boost to get the ball rolling into the summer run,” Wright said. “I get to go to Redding and Miles City and those are both pretty good-sized rodeos. It’s good to be feeling good going into that.”

(Unofficial as of May 23) 1. Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif.................. .................$27,038 $27,038 2. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo.................. . ................26,449 3. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah................... ...................24,045 4. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta............ ............19,336 5. Qwint Stroh, Glendive, Mont.................. .................18,870 6. Cash Wilson, Wall, S.D.......................... .........................16,663 7. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas................... ...................13,873 8. Ryder Sanford, Sulphur, La................... ..................13,308 9. Ben Andersen, Eckville, Alberta............. . ............12,702 10. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho.................. . .................11,808 11. Brody Wells, Powell, Wyo.................... ...................11,606 12. Layton Green, Millarville, Alberta......... .........10,635 13. Riggin Smith, Winterset, Iowa............. .............10,456 14. Logan Hay, Wildwood, Alberta.............. .............. 9,683 15. K. Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta....8,550 PRCA XTREME BRONCS 2024 TOUR STANDINGS

Yoko Kobayashi photo

Complete results/Page 56

Ryder Wright captured the Veater Financial Bronc Match title in the short-round with an 87-point ride on Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Mojave Moon. Wright walked out of Coarsegold, Calif., with $15,566 in earnings.

ProRodeo Sports News 5/24/2024

ProRodeo Sports News 5/24/2024

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