RAPID CITY, S.D. – Tie-down roper Cory Solomon is counting his blessings and keeping a close count on what he needs to do at the 2020 Gold Buckle Beer ProRodeo Tour Finale in Rapid City, S.D., to secure a spot at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
The Texas cowboy’s 8.6-second run was the fastest of the night on Sept. 24, but it ranked sixth in the first round because the other half of the Tour Finale qualifiers competed in the first round two nights earlier.
Although Round 1 was only worth $335 for Solomon, the real value will be if he can place in the average and advance to the semifinals of the Tour Finale for a chance at more money that counts toward the PRCA | RAM World Standings before the season ends Sept. 30.
RELATED: Updated PRCA | RAM World Standings
“You have to show up with your A-game here,” said Solomon, 30. “It’s a huge blessing for me right now.”
Fans can catch the action of the Gold Buckle Beer ProRodeo Tour Finale live on The Cowboy Channel and the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus app at 9:30 p.m. (ET), Sept. 25-26.
The Texas cowboy maintained his No. 14 position in the world standings but is aware that qualifying for the Wrangler NFR is a moving target.
“I need to lock it in and get some small checks moving forward,” Solomon said. “I’ve been 16th in the world and made the Finals, and I need to take the pressure off myself and leave it all to God.”
Solomon is a six-time qualifier for the NFR (2011-12 and 2015-18) with more than $1.1 million in career earnings since his rookie year in 2009. He finished 16th in the world standings in 2013 and 2014.
Solomon credited his success to his new, Brazilian mount, Play.
RELATED: Brazilian Play a hit for Solomon
Solomon’s not taking any chances on repeating his bubble experience, as he’s set to compete at the Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo in Stephenville, Texas, on Sunday with two other horses waiting for him there.
“I lay everything on the line with him (Play), and I try to haul him smart,” Solomon said, adding that rodeo horses in Brazil don’t travel as far as American ones do. “He doesn’t mind traveling, but with COVID and everything it hasn’t been necessary. I don’t want to take him far for one rodeo.”
For nightly coverage of the Gold Buckle Beer ProRodeo Tour Finale, visit ProRodeo.com through Sept. 26.
RELATED: Daysheets for Gold Buckle Beer ProRodeo Tour Finale
Round 1 winners were bareback rider Orin Larsen (90.5 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Game Trail); steer wrestler Rowdy Parrott (3.5 seconds); team ropers Riley Minor/Brady Minor (4.3 seconds); saddle bronc rider Brody Cress (88 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Covergirl); tie-down roper Tyler Milligan (7.6 seconds); barrel racer Dona Kay Rule (15.94 seconds); and bull rider Stetson Wright (87 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Quid Pro Quo).
