Three Coloradans compete in Las Vegas at National Finals Rodeo

LAS VEAGS, Nev. (KJCT) - The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo reached its halfway point Monday night, with three Colorado competitors representing the state at the Thomas and Mack Center.

The western tradition dating back to 1958 has transformed Las Vegas into a cowboy town as the NFR takes center stage.

Bull rider climbs standings

Luke Mackey of Ignacio is making his first NFR appearance in bull riding. The 19-year-old rookie entered the competition in 15th place but moved up to 10th after four rounds.

As of round four, Mackey sits fourth in the average, covering three out of four bulls. The bull rider has earned more than $37,000 in four rounds.

Updated after Round 7’s Performance: Mackey is sitting number 6 in the average, with a score of 340 on four bulls. He is currently number 12 in the world standings, with $186,177.31.

Team roper struggles in fourth appearance

Trey Yates of Pueblo is competing in his fourth trip to the Thomas and Mack Center. The team roping heeler won the average in 2018 during his NFR debut.

Yates and his header Luke Brown entered the finals in 12th place but dropped to 15th.

Updated after Round 7’s Performance: Yates and Brown are sitting number 13 in the NFR average. The team split second and third place in round 7 with the time of 3.7, earning $25,431.00. In round 5 they placed fourth with a 4.5, winning $15,376.88. So far, they have won over $40,000 at the finals.

Breakaway roping canceled

Kinlie Brennise of Craig qualified for breakaway roping in 11th place with nearly $110,000 won. The breakaway finals was canceled due to an Equine Herpes Virus outbreak and will be rescheduled later in the year.

Current world standings

Updated after Round 7’s Performance: The world standings are as follows:

Bareback Riding – Rocker Steiner - $421,185.49

Steer Wrestling – Will Lummus - $290,871.39

Team Roping Header – Tanner Tomlinson - $313,273.67

Team Roping Heeler – Jade Corkill - $282,359.23

Saddle Bronc Riding – Ryder Wright - $392,016.81

Tie Down Roping – Riley Webb - $411,828.93

Barrel Racing – Kassie Mowry $328,234.37

Bull Riding – Stetson Wright - $499,158.02

The competition continues each night this week. The gold buckle round is Saturday, where world champions will be crowned.

After Round 4’s Performance, the world standings are as follows:

Bareback Riding – Rocker Steiner - $384,515.54

Steer Wrestling – Will Lummus - $256,569.12

Team Roping Header – Andrew Ward - $235,150.60

Team Roping Heeler – Jake Long - $233,404.05

Saddle Bronc Riding – Ryder Wright - $388,271.17

Tie Down Roping – Shad Mayfield - $376,509.99

Barrel Racing – Kassie Mowry $269,683.94

Bull Riding – Stetson Wright - $462,490.07