Daily Archives: October 13, 2009

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A record nine live performances of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 3-12, in Las Vegas will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN Classic. In addition, all 10 performances will be re-aired a minimum of two times, also on ESPN2 and ESPN Classic.

The TV schedule for the 51st Wrangler NFR is available on ProRodeo.com, along with a listing of Wrangler NFR local start times and other information for rodeo enthusiasts planning to attend or watch on TV from home.

The “Super Bowl of Rodeo” will feature a record payoff of $5.75 million to the sport’s elite athletes. The Top 15 contestants from the PRCA World Standings and the Top 15 barrel racers from the WPRA World Standings will contend for gold buckles inside the Thomas & Mack Center, which has sold out for more than 230 consecutive performances.  (read more)

Lee Kimber was in nappies when he experienced his first rodeos, driving around the nation in horse sleeper trucks with his parents, who were both national competitors.

He started riding poddy calves at seven, entered serious competition at 14 and since then has won numerous titles, including Australian team roping and rope and tie champion.

Along the way, the Lockington cowboy has competed with his father, brother and now his partner, Cherie O’Donoghue, also a national champion.

“Once it’s in your blood, it’s there,” says the 32-year-old.

“When I was younger I only wanted to win the Australian title, and then when I got that it was the Pro Tour, and then when I had that I just wanted to keep winning to stay on top.

“It’s like a drug, an addiction. My Dad used to say it’s hard to get to the top but it’s twice as hard once you get there.” (read more)