PRCA Photo by: Hailey Rae
Caleb Smidt Wins Round 2 of 2023 NFR
Four-time and defending world champion Caleb Smidt showcased an impressive performance on Saturday night, Dec. 9, at the Thomas & Mack Arena. He clocked a 7.3-second run, winning Round 2 of the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and seemed to be back in top form after a bobble in Round 1.
Smidt, who is 34 years old and hails from Bellville, Texas, rode his trusted partner Pocketful of Light, or "Pockets" for short. The 16-year-old gelding, by Jonathan Starlight out of the Freckles Playboy mare Playful Pockets, has been Smidt's go-to horse, carrying him to all four of his world championships in 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2022.
Smidt's win in Round 2 earned him a $30,706 payday and propelled him up the world standings from No. 7 to No. 4. This marks Smidt's tenth NFR qualification, having previously qualified in 2013, 2015-2020 and 2021-2022. With his impressive track record, Smidt could very well win his fifth world title and third consecutive championship, as he has claimed the NFR average title every year he has won the championship.
Round 2 was the start he needed to take on the rest of the competition.
NFR Tie-Down Roping Round 2 Results
1. Caleb Smidt, 7.3 seconds, $30,706
2. Haven Meged, 7.4 seconds, $24,268
3. Tuf Cooper, 7.6 seconds, $18,325
4. Cory Solomon, 7.7 seconds, $12,877
5. Kincade Henry, 8.0 seconds, $7,924
6. Blane Cox, 8.6 seconds, $4,953
Tie-Down Roping World Standings: Post Round 2
1. Riley Webb, $296,843.42
2. Haven Meged, $229,335.73
3. Shad Mayfield, $216,603.81
4. Caleb Smidt, $173,834.85
5. Shane Hanchey, $166,660.20
6. Ty Harris, $165,282.33
7. Westyn Hughes, $162,048.27
8. Blane Cox, $158,828.60
9. Cory Solomon, $158,421.04
10. John Douch, $155,760.59
11. Kincade Henry, $145,405.57
12. Tuf Cooper, $142,651.11
13. Beau Cooper, $127,416.88
14. Brushton Minton, $126,551.48
15. Hunter Herrin, $124,552.04
