ProRodeo Sports News - October 19, 2018

Saddle bronc rider Chase Brooks had an 89-point ride on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Delta Dawn in the finals to win the All American Pro Rodeo Finals in Waco, Texas. Brooks departed Waco after earning $13,263. James Phifer photo

Brooks matches record in Finals

BY TRACY RENCK W hen Chase Brooks saw his draw – Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Delta Dawn – for the finals of the All American Pro Rodeo Finals he knew he had to seize the moment. He did. Brooks had an 89-point ride on Delta Dawn to win the title in his inaugural appearance at the rodeo. “This was crazy,” said Brooks, 24. “I heard a lot about that horse, so I knew she was going to be a bucker. She ripped my tune about every jump, and I was kind of scared, but it worked out. It was exciting to be down here and a lot of fun.” Brooks tied the All American ProRodeo Finals record with his ride. He shares the record withWade Sundell (twice in 2009, Universal Rodeo’s Whiskey, first round, and Golden Buckle Rodeo’s Special Time, final round) and Cody Wright (twice in 2011, Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Ginger Snap, quarterfinal round, and Andrews Rodeo’s Lock ‘n’ Load, final round). For his performance, Brooks leftWaco after earning $13,263, the most he’s won at a single rodeo.

“This is outstanding,” Brooks said. This season is one Brooks will likely never forget. He qualified for his first career Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in the No. 15 spot in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings with $76,141. During Cowboy Christmas, the saddle bronc rider from Belgrade, Mont., had everything click during the most lucrative time of the regular season, winning $29,936. Before this season, Brooks’ biggest accomplishment was winning the RAMMontana Circuit Finals Rodeo in 2016. Brooks joined the PRCA in December 2013. His career had been sabotaged by injuries for several years. “This season has been surreal,” Brooks said. “Everything just sort of lined up. At the beginning of this year, I had no idea it was going to go this way, but heck, I’m not going to turn it down.” The Waco win came at the ideal time for Brooks as he prepares for the bright lights of theThomas &Mack Center in Las Vegas. “It’s good to feel like I’m riding my best again,” he said. “I kind of psyched myself out after the Fourth of July run. I got my head back on straight, and it is good now.”

ProRodeo Sports News 10/19/2018

ProRodeo.com

35