ProRodeo Sports News - May 26, 2023

COARSEGOLD, CALIF.

BATTLE OF THE BEST

Money Ride

Dawson Hay cashes in aboard Wall Street BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News D awson Hay, like so many kids in Canada, grew up playing hockey. His brother Logan reached the minor leagues. Hay had no problem serving as a mucker, a grinder, never shying away from contact. The issue came when he looked in the mirror. “We are just too small. Hockey players are all taller than 6-feet and weigh at least 180 pounds. We are built more like jockeys,” Dawson said with a laugh. “I love what I do now.” Ah, the life of a saddle bronc rider. Hay, 24, has found a home in the arena. He boasts three National Finals Rodeo berths, and what has transpired over the last month screams of a return to Las Vegas this winter in his pursuit of a gold buckle. Hay recently won the Battle of the Best in Coarsegold, Calif., posting an 88.5 in the sudden-death round on Four Star Rodeo’s Wall Street. For Hay, this horse brought him full circle. His father Rod Hay, a 20-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and Canadian legend, transitioned from competition into raising bucking horses inWildwood, Alberta, including Wall Street. Six years ago, Hay rode him before he left the ranch. “It is a cool story. I got on him and it was the best ride I ever had to that point,” Dawson said. “I have seen him at the NFR since, but I have dodged him in the draw. Then this season I have been on him twice.” The rides will remain etched in his memory, especially if this year turns out even more special than a career-best seventh place finish in the world rankings last season. He pocketed $12,800 in his final go at the Battle of the Best. This came on the spurs of his top score of 91 onWall Street at the Oakdale Saddle Club in April. “It was a couple of good rides, for sure,” Hay said. The Battle of the Best speaks for itself. It featured 24 of this season’s top saddle bronc riders in an event akin to the Xtreme Bulls. It brings the type of pressure that creates white knuckles and grinds teeth, but the reward is worth it. “I have such an appreciation of George and Tara and the Veater Financial group for putting it on. It was incredible. It is a great event,” said Hay, who edged out Layton Green (86) and Lefty Holman (84.5). “It’s something you have to work towards to get in. There are not too many places where a battle like this with this type of competition takes place.” Hay put himself in position to win by gaining traction in the first round. He scored 88 on Four Star Rodeo’s Star Born. The victory allows Hay to exhale. “It’s a huge boost for the year. It took me into August to get to this point where I have as much money as I have won already,” Hay said. “I remember being stressed about it late in the season last year. So, this is a good feeling.” For Hay, rodeo became a passion as he left hockey. He learned from his father, but his style is a blend of riders, something he continues to refine as he chases a title and enjoys his success with wife Lily and seven-month old daughter Honey. “I just kind of picked a little something from everyone, I really liked my dad, of course,” Hay said. “I guess, I kind of like living on the edge a little bit. There are not a ton of jobs available with this kind of lifestyle. And you get to be your own boss and be a little wild.”

(Unofficial as of May 24) 1. Brody Wells, Powell, Wyo....................$23,258 2. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta. ........21,863 3. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho. ...................20,507 4. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont.. ...........19,264 5. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta. ...........17,318 6. Layton Green, Millarville, Alberta...........17,162 7. Ross Griffin, Tularosa, N.M.. .................11,812 8. Damian Brennan, Injune, Australia.........11,638 9. Ben T Andersen, Eckville, Alberta. .........11,403 10. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas.............11,164 11. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta.10,554 12. Lefty Marvel Holman, Visalia, Calif........ 9,700 13. Logan James Hay, Wildwood, Alberta. .. 9,452 14. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont.......... 8,882 15. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah. ................. 7,949 PRCA XTREME BRONCS 2023 TOUR STANDINGS

Yoko Kobayashi photo

Complete results/Page 48

Dawson Hay won the Battle of the Best in Coarsegold, Calif., May 13 with this 88.5-point ride on Four Star Rodeo’s Wall Street.

ProRodeo Sports News 5/26/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 5/26/2023

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