Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Shad Mayfield won Friday's tie-down roping round at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The $26,997 payout jumped him two spots in the world standings to second.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada - On his second night at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Shad Mayfield lived up to his "Money" nickname.
Mayfield, the defending tie-down roping world champion, recovered from a tough first night to grab a win in the second round of the 10-night event. The 7.2 second run earned Mayfield the night's top prize of $26,997, well ahead of Cory Solomon (7.8 seconds, $21,336 payout).
The win pushed Mayfield, fourth in tie-down standings entering the evening, in second place. Current leader Shane Hanchey failed to finish in the money with his run of 8.9 seconds. Caleb Smidt and Westyn Hughes also failed to finish in the money, allowing Mayfield to leapfrog them in the standings.
Entering Saturday, Hanchey still has some breathing room, with $212,076.43 won this season. Mayfield trails him at $168,912.60, ahead of Smidt ($146,023.32) and Hughes ($143,339.69).
The world champion will be the roper with the most money earned following this Saturday's performance, and about 10 are in striking distance from the top spot with nightly payouts between $4,354 (sixth) and $26,997 (first).
Through the first two rounds, Solomon was the only roper to finish in the money both nights.
Thursday: Mayfield was edged by Solomon for the final money spot, finishing with a run of 9.1 seconds for the $4,354 payout. Mayfield completed his run in 9.3 seconds.
Hanchey stretched out his money lead with the win at 7.4 seconds, just ahead of Ty Harris' 7.7.
