WNFR: Round 5 Highlights

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo: Round 5 Highlights

by Bobbi LeAnn

Tonight in round 5 is Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night, part of ProRodeo’s year-round commitment to furthering the cause of breast cancer research and testing. The opening paid tribute to two of the sport’s most decorated families, the Coopers of Texas and the Wrights of Utah. Terry Factor performed the National Anthem.

            Tonight will be the night to watch Trevor Brazile. With his third-place finish in the tie-down roping on Sunday night, Brazile pushes his season earnings to $281,029 and is now on the threshold of clinching his record-breaking 19^th world championship as he is currently tied with steer roper Guy Allen at 18. His lead over Tuf Cooper in the all-round race is $141,094, and he’s $142,593 ahead of Jade Corkill. Any combination of results that has Brazile with a lead of $141,000 or more at the end of the night will assure him of his record 11^th all-round, including the last eight, and record 19^th-overall gold buckle. Corkill will be eliminated if he finishes behind Brazile in the team roping and Cooper will be eliminated if his earnings in the tie-down roping are less than Brazile’s earning in the team roping and tie-down roping combined.

            Barrel racer Sherry Cervi has the lead in the race for the Ram Truck Top Gun Award, which goes to the contestant who wins the most money in a single event at the WNFR. With wins in each of the first two rounds and fourth- and third-place checks the last two nights, she has $54,688 through four rounds. Her closest pursuers are tie-down roper Shane Haanchey with $44,171 and Bull rider J.W. Harris with $41,166.

            Shada (placing 6^th in the barrel racing) and Trevor Brazile (third place in the tie-down roping) both finished in the money last night. It marked the first time since 2006 that a husband and wife had earned checks in the same round since Brittany Pozzi and then-husband Dough Pharr managed it in the 10^th round.

            During the 5^th round, three contenders showed up on the Justin Sportsmedicine report last night. Two-time defending champion and current leader Kaycee Feild, listed with a low back strain. Also making the list were Wes Stevenson with a neck injury and Caleb Bennett with a right elbow.