Tim O’Connell joined Pro Rodeo Live to breakdown all of the Bareback Riding action from the first week of the Summer Run.
The first ride O’Connell broke down was one that wasn’t supposed to happen. Mason Clements was a walk-up replacement for Cole Franks in Belle Fourche after Franks made the finals in Ponoka.
Clements took full advantage, going 88 points at the rodeo.
“Mason, without being entered knows there is a spot open... at that point, as a walkup replacement you have the option between the rerides and all of the turnout horses and the judges draw your horse. The judges pull this one out of the hat and Mason Walks up... 88 points.”
O’Connell broke down one of the highest-marked rides we have seen this year in Bronc Marriott’s 91.5 points at the Cody Stampede. The ride came on Breaking News, a horse that O’Connell is familiar with.
“Bronc put everything into it and I was sitting on the couch thinking man this could be a monster score. When they put up 91.5, that changes everything.”
Over in the Saddle Bronc Riding, Zac Dallas took Ponoka with a 90.25-point ride.
“That’s big, guys—a rookie going to Ponoka. You’re facing the best Canadians, the best Americans. The best of the best are going to this rodeo. He wins the Long Round, the aggregate, and then he gets Tokyo Bubbles and caps off his first Ponoka victory.
Dallas is No. 1 in the Rookie race and No. 17 in the PRCA Saddle Bronc World Standings as we continue through Cowboy Christmas.
