Cole Franks began his career with two Top 4 finishes in the PRCA Bareback Riding World Standings. Last year, he finished just outside the Top 15, but still put together a respectable season where he earned over $109,000.
Now, Franks is heading back to the NFR for the third time in four years and will do so in the No. 8 position after making $139,556 on the year.
New Year’s Eve Buck & Ball, $5,451
Franks started the New Year with a bang at the New Year’s Eve Buck & Ball in Wyoming. On his fifth horse of the season, he split the First Round with Keenan Hayes thanks to an 87-point ride on Muddy Creek Pro Rodeo’s Black Mamba. Franks won at least $1,000 on each of his first five rides of the 2024 season.
Dixie National Rodeo, $4,453
At the only PRCA Playoff Series Rodeo in Mississippi, Franks won the title, scoring 86 points on Sweet Tequila. He split the win with Bill Tutor, and the pair each received over $4,400. It was the first of his four Playoff wins in 2024.
World’s Oldest Rodeo, $6,768
Franks added another win to his season at the World’s Oldest Rodeo in the first week of July. He was marked 85 points on Cafe Risque of Kirsten Vold to earn the win and take home over $6,700.
California Rodeo Salinas, $14,769
Franks’ biggest win of the season came at the California Rodeo Salinas in mid-July, where he earned nearly $15,000. He opened the rodeo with an 87.5-point ride, giving him a round win and a $7,000 payday. In the Finals, Franks placed third with an 84-point ride. While the ride in the Finals was worth just $900, Franks won the Average after going 171.5 on two. Richmond Champion, Dean Thompson, Tilden Hooper and R.C. Landingham all placed in the Average.
Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo, $8,188
It was a worthwhile trip to Washington for Franks who would take home the championship at the Horse Heaven Roundup and win in The Evergreen State for the third time in the last two years.
Franks opened the rodeo with a round-winning 87.5-point ride on The Calgary Stampede’s Yukon Rambler. Franks had a big opportunity in the Finals with a matchup with The Calgary Stampede’s Disco Party and the two were marked 88.5 points to win the round and give Franks the clean sweep, winning both rounds and the Average.
North Dakota Roughrider Cup, $5,478
The last major payday for Franks came at the inaugural North Dakota Roughrider Cup. He took home fourth after an 85.5-point ride. The ride solidified his spot in the Finals.
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