Tyler Bingham attempts to ride Spotted Demon (Big Stone Rodeo) in Round 7. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Roseanna Sales.
Bingham was transported to the hospital for treatment and was later reported to have suffered some severe, but not life threatening, injuries. These included broken ribs, sternum, clavicle plus bruised lungs and a bruised heart. It was great to see Bingham out of the hospital and back in the stands watching his comrades compete in the 10th round as the National Finals Rodeo came to a close. Round 8 found Ty Wallace back on top as he split the round with Roscoe Jarboe as the two both posted rides of 89.5 points.
certain, as to whether that had ever been accomplished before. Wright, with his dry sense of humor, stated that he was the only one who was here now who had ever done it. This young man had his foot on the gas pedal and he wasn’t backing off. Round 7 was also significant as it was the last time that the great bull, Spotted Demon, would see the bright lights of the arena. Spotted Demon was the PRCA Bull of the Year and the Bull of the Finals in 2018 and was being retired after one last match against Tyler Bingham. The celebration for Spotted Demon’s outstanding career quickly turned into a somber moment as Bingham collided headfirst into Spotted Demon’s skull and his helmet went flying. Knocked unconscious, Bingham fell to the ground, and as the bull came down, his back right foot landed in the middle of Bingham’s chest. Bingham was on the ground for several minutes as the medical team evaluated the situation.
Stetson Wright made sure that he was not forgotten as he made a great ride on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s bull, Record Rack’s Smoke Stack, for 92 points, which was the highest posted score of the NFR. This round win in Round 9 made the fourth time that Wright earned the top score of the night. Usually, there are some of the event titles that have been clinched by the time the tenth round rolls around. This year was quite different as only the all-around championship had been secured by Stetson Wright and the Barrel Racing had been clinched by Hailey Kinsel. All other events – roughstock and timed event, went down to the last ride or last run to determine the 2020 World Champions. It had to be gut wrenching for the competitors but it filled the arena with anticipation and excitement as the night progressed. In the bull riding, Sage Kimzey did not have the performance that he had hoped when the NFR began. Kimzey had a good week as he rode five out of the ten bulls. The scores, however, were lower
Colten Fritzlan rides Angel’s Landing (Bar T Rodeo) for 89 points to win Round 3 and then accepts the buckle and saddle as the National Finals Average Champion. PRCA ProRodeo photos by Clay Guardipee (left) and Alaina Stangle (right).
Humps-Horns.com · 20 · January 2021
