LAS VEGAS – Cool Water turned hot on Saturday night during the third go-round of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
Justin McDaniel was the beneficiary, riding the Andrews Rodeo bareback horse for 85 points to split the round victory and collect the $15,343 for doing so. The reigning world champion from Porum, Okla., matched scores with Jason Havens of Prineville, Ore., for the second time in three nights and has earned $30,685 over that time.
“He almost bucked me off there in the middle and there at the end,” said McDaniel, 23, who moved his season earnings to $154,969. “He’s a rank horse … as rank as they come.”
Whatever works, especially with the kind of money that’s available at ProRodeo’s grand finale. But there’s room to improve, especially for a young man who strives for excellence each time out.
“I feel like I’m not riding as good as I can,” he said. “I really think I can do better. I’ll go out and ace one tomorrow.”
He has done it before. A season ago when he clinched his first gold buckle, he set the standard with a cumulative score of 859 points through 10 go-rounds. During the 2009 regular season, he won $124,284, going to just 53 rodeos. He missed opportunities because of an injured sacroiliac joint. Still, he qualified for the NFR sitting fourth in the world standings.
“I’m feeling pretty good, as good as I’ve felt since I hurt it,” he said. “Dee in the Justin Sportsmedicine room has done wonders on my back. She’s gotten me lined out pretty good.”
With his paydays, McDaniel has moved to third in the standings. He’s also gaining ground on the leader, Texan Clint Cannon, who has an $81,000 lead over the Oklahoman, who knows go-round wins will need to keep coming if he’s going to earn his second straight title.
“It’s been my plan to win every go-round and let the other stuff happen,” McDaniel said.
