Rodeo Daily
Alex Riley

Alex Riley

Joined: Dec 3, 2023

Alex Riley is a writer for Sports Illustrated's feature, Rodeo Daily. Formerly working at news outlets in South Carolina, Texas, Wyoming and North Carolina, Alex is an award-winning writer and photographer who graduated from the University of South Carolina.

Dustin Boquet's win at the Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo at the end of the 2024 regular season got him into the 16th spot in the World Standings, which led to him replacing Creek Young at the 2024 NFR after Young was given a doctor release from competing.
News

After Regular Season Shortfall, Bouquet Grateful for Opportunity to Compete at NFR

The veteran bull rider has replaced Creek Young as the final competitor in the field of 15 as Young was medically released due to an injury.

Alex Riley
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Zac Dallas captured the Turquoise Circuit Finals title over the weekend as one of just two saddle bronc riders to post a ride during all three goes.
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Saddle Bronc Rider Gets New Season Started With Turquoise Circuit Title

Zachary Dallas will finish out his rookie season at the NFR in December but already has a jump on his sophomore campaign thanks to a big win over the weekend. 

Alex Riley
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Creek Young has doctor released from his qualification to the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
News

Injury Forces Bull Rider Creek Young to Doctor Release From 2024 NFR

Young, who has competed at the last three NFRs (2021-23), will be replaced by Dustin Boquet at the event in December.

Alex Riley
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From left, TCU's Shea Graham, UT Martin's Lexi Bailey, Delaware State's Claire Andrews and Auburn's Alexia Tordoff are four of the eight riders to compete in both Western events at a meet this season.
News

NCEA Competitors Take Pride in Pulling Western Double-Duty

Being able to ride in both the horsemanship and reining events is a rarity in Division I equestrian – so how do the few who do it succeed?

Alex Riley
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Ty Pinnt was the only cowboy to cover two bull rides at the Mountain States Circuit Finals over the weekend, giving him a $10,000 payday to start his rookie season.
News

Rookie Bull Rider Gets 2025 Started Strong With Mountain States Circuit Victory

Ty Pinnt was the only competitor to ride two bulls at the event, resulting in a big payday to kickstart his rookie season.

Alex Riley
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After powering through pain at last year's National Finals Breakaway Roping, Hali Williams is relatively healthy and ready for her second appearance at the event this December.
News

Second Trip to Breakaway Finals Has Up-And-Coming Cowgirl Eager for Redemption

Hali Williams wanted her first visit to the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping to end almost as soon as it started.  Last year, the Comanche, Texas, prod

Alex Riley
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Kade Sonnier is returning to form after some significant setbacks in 2024 and hopes to be back at NFR next December.
News

Following Injury-Plagued 2024, Bareback Rising Star Relishing Fresh Start

Kade Sonnier’s relocation to Texas has allowed him to focus on competing in a new circuit and build some early confidence for the 2025 campaign.

Alex Riley
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Saddle bronc rider Weston Patterson got a crucial win at the Prairie Circuit Finals to bring in nearly $10,000 in earnings for the 2025 season.
News

Prairie Circuit Win Allows Saddle Bronc Rider to Get Head Start on 2025 Campaign

Weston Patterson maxed out his rodeo count for 2024 back in August, but with a big payday at the Prairie Circuit Finals the up-and-coming competitor now has an early boost for next year.

Alex Riley
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The Cowboy Channel will broadcast all 10 rounds of the National Finals Breakaway Roping from December 3-4. The one-year media rights agreement will help bring rodeo's fastest growing sport to a larger audience.
News

Cowboy Channel and WPRA Announce Groundbreaking News for National Finals Breakaway

The one-year media rights agreement between the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and The Cowboy Channel has created a significant buzz in the breakaway roping community.

Alex Riley
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Mason Moody captured a second-straight Badlands Circuit Finals championship over the weekend, finishing as the only bull rider to cover all three animals he faced.
News

Bull Rider Hopes to Build Momentum With Back-To-Back Badlands Circuit Titles

Following a significant knee injury in the spring, Mason Moody appears to be finding his stride once again.

Alex Riley
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After missing out on a return to NFR, tie-down roper Cory Solomon is coming into the 2025 season refocused and on a mission, not just for a return trip to Las Vegas, but to win a gold buckle.
News

NFR Miss Brings New Focus and Renewed Drive For Veteran Tie-Down Roper

With two wins already on the books for the 2025 season, the Texas native is looking to get back on track after coming up short in his bid for an 11th appearance in Las Vegas.

Alex Riley
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Dawson Hay was all smiles shaking hands with legendary saddle bronc rider Brad Gjermundson after winning the Extreme Broncs event in New Town, N.D., over the weekend to claim more than $36,000 in earnings.
News

Superstar Gets Head Start on 2025 with Gjermundson Extreme Broncs Win

The Canadian saddle bronc rider is continuing to build confidence heading into his fourth-straight NFR with a recent PRCA win and several big events before December.

Alex Riley
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