ProRodeo Sports News - Sept.15, 2023

WASHINGTON STATE FAIR PRO RODEO

Sanford continues memorable season David Thomas photo Ryder Sanford secured the saddle bronc riding win with an 89-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Dandy Delight in the four-man round.

It has been quite the summer for Resistol Rookie saddle bronc rider, Ryder Sanford. On July 30, the Sulphur, La., cowboy won the prestigious Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days in record-setting fashion. He added a Cinch Playoffs title to his resume on Sept. 10 at the Washington State Fair Pro Rodeo. Sanford clinched the win with an 89-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Dandy Delight in the four-man sudden death finals. “This is great, just to keep that momentum going from Cheyenne,” said Sanford, 25. “It is very crucial this time of the year. I had never been on that horse, but my good buddy Damian (Brennan) had been on him in Calgary last year and he told me it was a good draw, so I was excited to get on him.” And Dandy Delight didn’t disappoint. “He was electric,” Sanford said. “I didn’t know which way he was

going. I just tried to stay in the middle.” Sanford earned $13,000 for his finals-winning ride, and the timing could not have been better. Sanford entered the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup 19th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $100,374. “My game plan this past month is that I haven’t looked at the world standings and that’s going to continue to be my game plan,” Sanford said. Sanford now qualified for an even bigger payday in Sioux Falls, S.D., Sept. 28-30. “This is just a dream come true,” Sanford said. “I’m just blessed with this life and blessed to have as much success as I have had. I’m just going to keep nodding my head and doing my job. I absolutely have to pinch myself. I feel like I’m dreaming. The main goal was to get (qualified) for Sioux Falls. A good win there could put me in a good spot for that world championship and that’s the ultimate goal.”

ProRodeo Sports News 9/15/2023

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