Shane Hanchey won BP Super Series V Tie-Down Roping with a total time of 28.1 seconds in three rounds to take home $7,750. It was Hanchey’s second time to compete in Houston, but he only won $500 last year.
“I’ve been riding since I was 5, and I’ve always come to the rodeo here in Houston; so, it feels great to win my Super Series and go strong into the Semifinal round,” Hanchey said. “I love the people who put on this amazing rodeo; the money just makes it even better.”
Micky Downware won Champion Bareback rider with a total score of 233.5 in three rounds to take home $7,000. Downware has competed in Houston four other times with no other wins.
“I won San Antonio last month, so to come to Houston and win my Super Series feels awesome. My year just keeps getting better,” Downware said. “I’ve just got to remember to take one horse at a time as I get ready for the Semifinals.”
Ty Blasingame and Cody Hintz won Team Roping with a total of 15.9 seconds for three runs to take home $14,000. Blasingame and Hintz had never competed in Houston together until this year.
“Winning Houston is great because of title, but winning the money that Houston gives can really change things for one’s family,” Blasingame said. “We definitely want to thank our sponsors and family for their support, but most of all, RodeoHouston for the money.”
Sam Spreadborough rode for a total score of 234 in three rounds to win the Saddle Bronc Championship in the BP Super Series V and $5,750. Spreadborough has competed in Houston three years with no other wins.
“I’ve been riding for eight years and lately haven’t been doing too well, so winning my Super Series in Houston is absolutely amazing,” Spreadborough said. “Of course I love Houston, the size of the rodeo and the people, but the money makes it so much nicer.”
Steer Wrestler Ethan Thouvenell won BP Super Series V with a total time of 14.9 seconds for three runs and $5,500. This was Thouvenell’s first time to compete in Houston.
“Winning my Super Series is great, especially since this is my first time here and I’ve been competing as a professional for 12 years,” Thouvenell said. “I would like to be more aggressive on my horse from the start, but make sure to stay sharp, watch the steer, and avoid breaking the barrier.”
Bull Rider Corey Navarre rode a total score of 165 for two rides in three rounds and won $7,000. The last time for Navarre to compete in Houston was 2003, but he has competed in Houston for four years.
“It feels great to win tonight,” Navarre said. “Last time I competed here they didn’t give a total of $50,000 for the Overall Champion, so I am definitely aiming for that prize money as I go into the Semifinals.”
Nellie Williams won Barrel Racing with a total time of 45 seconds for three runs and the $7,500. This was William’s second year to compete in Houston.
“I love coming to Houston because the people love to treat you so well,” Williams said. “They always put on a really good show.”
Watch all of these contestants and more during the RodeoHouston BP Super Series Semifinals, March 17–18. The top four from each event in each Semifinal round will advance to the BP Super Series Championship March 20. The remaining six from each event in each Seminfinal will compete in the Wild Card March 19, where the top two from each event will advance to the BP Super Series Championship March 20.
RodeoHouston BP Super Series Champions walk away with a $50,000 payout, plus previous winnings. The RodeoHouston Super Series continues through March 20, with an Xtreme Bulls competition March 21.
