It had been a rough start to the Wrangler NFR for Jake Watson, who had thee no-scores in the first four rounds of saddle bronc riding.
That all changed Monday when he posted the top score, a 92-point ride, of round five.
“I try to go in with the mentality that I did all the hard work in the regular season and I’ve just got to enjoy it, no matter what happens here. I just had a slow start. I can’t really explain it, but hopefully, that part of it is over now and I can keep making money every night.”
His 92-point ride on the Cervi Brothers Rodeo’s RodeoHouston’s Womanizer was one point off the Round 5 saddle bronc riding Wrangler NFR record of 93 points set by Billy Etbauer in 2003.
“It feels pretty dang good though. I knew a lot about it (the horse). I’ve seen all my friends get on it a lot of times, and I’ve been waiting a lot of years to get on it. I’m glad I had him here. It was everything I expected and more. He’s definitely one of my favorites now.”
With five rounds to go, the battle for the top spot in the world standings is neck and neck between Zeke Thurston and Ryder Wright.
Saddle Bronc World Standings (NFR money in parentheses)
1. Zeke Thurston - $251,722 ($74,730)
2. Ryder Wright - $241,257 ($16,769)
3. Rusty Wright - $195,884 ($77,692)
4. Spencer Wright - $179,322 ($59,217)
5. Brody Cress - $167,205 ($61,333)