Two southern Utah cowboys are competing for a national championship and a saddle Bronc buckle at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas this week. After five rounds of the elite event, the two cowboys from Milford are ranked first and sixth, respectively, in the average.
Jesse Wright had an outstanding performance in Monday night’s go round. On top of Burns Rodeo’s “Chugwater Blues,” Jesse posted the national final’s first-ever 90 point ride, landing him the top spot in the go round and in the average.
Cody Wright is the oldest of seven brothers, and all but one compete in the saddle bronc riding event in PRCA rodeo. Cody won the Gold Buckle in 2008 and has ended up high in the rankings his whole career. This year after five go rounds of the NFR, he is currently ranked sixth in the average and number one in the world.
With five rounds left before the champion is crowned, both brothers will have to compete to their personal bests to keep up with the other 13 cowboys also hoping to claim the title. The National Finals Rodeo continues this week until Saturday when after the tenth go round the champion of each event will be crowned.
