ROUND #4

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR)
Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
December 4, 2006

Good Times in Bad Dirt
There’s no earthly reason for the speedier times in barrel racing. Rodeo’s women professionals aren’t impressed with the arena ground but something special is definitely in the air. “I’ve watched the NFR for a long time and this is the fastest barrel racing there has ever been as far as I’m concerned. Just to be there amongst those girls is exciting,” said Brandie Halls of Carpenter. She is being modest. Brandie is pacing the field, winning the round four buckle last night and covering her pattern on favorite horse Slim in 13.77 seconds. Brandie leads the average (overall time on four runs) too. This is Hall’s third trip to the finals and it was her first go-round win. “I’m stoked. I don’t know whether to cry or just laugh. Guess the third times’ the charm,” she smiled. Brandie is climbing steadily in the world standings having now risen to the number six spot.
Sharp Turns
You won’t find a more studious person than Jason Miller in the pro rodeo ranks. He goes to the WNFR press room early every day and looks at tape of the bull dogging from the previous night. He watches each run but concentrates on his effort. Rewind. Study. Rewind. Study. And so on. The Lance Creek, Wyoming rancher and pro steer wrestler is competing in rodeo’s Superbowl for the first time. “This is just so quick it’s unbelievable – the shortest start I’ve ever seen,” Miller says. Steers get at least a little head start at most rodeos. They are allowed 30 feet of grace in Cheyenne. At the WNFR – nada. “If you see the steer move you’ve got to go. Not after your nod like I’ve been doing. You have to go with your nod,” Miller is learning. He is going for go-money only in this event since he was unable to get a time on one of four animals. Miller picked up a little pay last night sharing sixth place with three other doggers. To illustrate his point about the speed in which one must react you just need to run down the round four leader board. There were eleven men who brought their steers to the ground in less than five seconds.
High Lowe
Pavilion’s Andy Martinez split sixth place last night and was paid $1,300. He’s made close to $11,000 in four nights of competition but it seems as though there’s no stopping Will Lowe. He is the leader overall by some $65,000. Martinez is in second place. The likeable Lowe is a deserving fan (and judge) favorite. Andy scored on a re-ride horse last night. The first time out was fun to watch as the animal went to the ground and Martinez found a way to stay on top averting injury and amazingly pulling himself back into position.
Bull Bruises
Another one gone. Bull rider D.J. Domangue suffered a dislocated left hip when chased around by a seemingly bent-on-destruction bull last night. D.J. is hospitalized and won’t be back. That brings to three the number of riders now out of the competition.