Round 9 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Well Round 9 of The WNFR lived up to it's nickname of 'Freaky Friday' with some wild and unusual moments and some shakeups in the world standings. Starting with the bareback riding, Jayco Roper was back in the lineup tonight and in the money with his 84.5 point ride on Risky Business (Rafter S Rodeo Company). His form was a bit tighter on the left then normal but otherwise his injury does not seem to be limiting him much. Absolutely beautiful 86.75 point bronc ride by Cooper Cooke on Redlicious Meats No Whiskey's (Beutler & Sons Rodeo). Rocker Steiner had a classic Rocker ride with good spurring on Cafe Risque (Kirsten Vold Rodeo Company) to tie for second with Waylon Bourgeois who was matched with Western Haulers Cosmic Stardust (Penthouse Pro Rodeo). Rocker Steiner is still currently in the top spot in the world standings at $446,616. Sam Peterson was given a re-ride but unable to get a spot in the money.

Justin Shaffer had a good run to take first with fast 3.6 seconds. Will Lummus tied with the Alabama Slamma for their quick 3.8 second runs. Tucker Allen was still in the money tonight taking sixth with his 4 second run to maintain first in the average for 40.6 seconds on nine head. Gavin Soileau had a bit of bad luck tonight missing his steer and losing his boot which got hung up in his stirrup.

Lightning Aguilera had a horse change tonight which seemed to be the magic factor to take first with heeler Kaden Profili for their white hot 3.4 second run, just .1 second shy from tying the arena record. Tyler Wade & Wesley Thorp took second with a fast run and what a heal shot by Thorp! Kaleb Driggers & Junior Nogueira are staying hot and took third with their 3.8 second run. It was sadly another rough night for the team ropers with Derrick Begay & Colter Todd Todd, Dustin Egusquiza & Levi Lord, Dawson Graham & Dillon Graham, Riley Minor & Brady Minor, Clay Smith & Coleby Payne, Jake Smith & Douglas Rich, and Tanner Tomlinson & Travis Graves all receiving no time.

The eliminators were out in the saddle bronc riding and they were cutting the cowboys no slack. The Wright brothers all got it done the 'Wright way' to take the top three spots on the leaderboard. Stetson Wright had some phenomenal footwork to take first with his 89.75 points on R. Watson's Mad Skills (The Cervi Brothers). Statler Wright took second with his 88 point ride on Cash Deal (Dakota Rodeo). And Ryder Wright took third with his 86.5 point ride on Indian Burn. Brody Wells had a decent ride on Optiwize's Tickled Pink (Championship Rodeo) but he got hung up in his stirrup on the dismount and went hard into the fence and was seen by Justin Sports Med. Hoping he's good to go for tomorrow. Zeke Thurston was shockingly buck off by Falkland Playboy (Macza Pro Rodeo) which will shake up the averages.

Haven Maged finally got a round win with his 7 second run in the tie-down roping. Ty Harris was able to shake off the bad luck of the last few round to take second with his 7.1 second run. Riely Webb took third with a good 7.5 second run. Shad Mayfield had a horse change but mistrung his calf which cost him too many seconds to be in the money. Kincade Henry lost a stirrup and fell getting off his horse which also took him out of the money. Despite last night's success, Shane Hanchey's bad luck continues and he missed his calf for a no-time.

Carlee Otero made a last minute change back to Regina after feeling like the ground was good enough to run her and this decision paid off with Otera taking first with a smoking fast 13.20 second run. There has been some ground issues the last two nights despite the ground crew burning the midnight oil and trying their best to resolve it; however the ground seemed in good condition tonight with no horses slipping and fast steady times around the barrels. Hayle Gibson-Stillwell took second on Piper who came firing out of the alley once again for a 13.43 second run. Lisa Lockhart had a speedy 13.54 second run for third with the barrel racing angels watching over her to making sure the third barrel rocked but didn't tip over.

Things were definitely freaky in the bull riding tonight but less anxiety provoking than last night. Jordan Spears landed hard after being bucked off by Vitalix Dialed In (Cervi Championship Rodeo) and appeared a bit stunned but Kade Bruno quickly hopped down to help him into the chutes until he could safely walk out of the arena. Qynn Anderson took first with a great 87 point ride on Mr. Gold (Sutton Rodeos). Mason Moody took second with his 84.75 points with fantastic spurring on Frontier Coffee Bailey's Brew (Frontier Rodeo). Moody almost ended up in a danger spot after jumping off but the bullfighters worked fast to provide cowboy protection and keep him out of the bull's path. Tristen Hutchings took third with his 83.75 point ride on Priefert's G Wagon (Pete Carr Pro Rodeo). TJ Gray was the last rider to successfully cover his bull and earn some money with his 78.75 point ride on Mellow Yellow (Smith Pro Rodeos). Bryce Jensen had not one but two re-rides to get on three bulls tonight but unfortunately was not able to make a qualified ride. Ky Hamilton was buck off by Cross Eyed Kelly (Bridwell Pro Rodeo) and look like he came down hard on his knee. He left the arena assisted by Justin Sports Med and declined a re-ride. Stetson Wright was sent flying before the 8 second mark by Belly Dump (Salt River Rodeo).

Injury updates: Rawley Johnson was not cleared to return after suffering a concussion last night and will sit out the remaining rounds. JR Stratford will also miss the final two rounds due to a concussion and laceration on this left eyelid from Round 6. Ky Hamilton sustained torn ligaments in this right knee after a hard buck off tonight and will be re-evaluated in the morning to see if he can compete tomorrow night.