Ky Hamilton's Remarkable Ride in NFR Round 7 Secures $99,053 Triumph

Australian cowboy, Ky Hamilton, is as cowboy as they come.

Lauren Fritzler | Dec 14, 2023

PRCA Photo by Clay Guardipee

Only 24 hours ago, Hamilton was knocked out cold and carried out of the Thomas & Mack on a stretcher after taking a hit in the bull riding. With grit in his veins and determination in his eyes, Hamilton rode for redemption in Round 7 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The cowboy racked up 88 points on Duane Kesler’s bull, Alberta Prime Devil’s Advocate.

In Round 5 of the Wrangler National Finals, Hamilton was launched into the air by Honeycutt Rodeo's Bales Hay's MAGA. The crowd stood silently, praying for the safety of the young man. Thankfully, Hamilton suffered minor injuries and persevered to ride the following morning, and again that same night.

In round seven, Hamilton had the only qualified ride among 13 handy cowboys. His flawless ride on the burley Charolais bull impressed the judges, enough for 88 points. Wednesday night saw the rankest pen of bulls yet to be seen at the NFR.

As if his Round 7 win isn't enough, in the Wednesday matinee performance only a few hours prior, Hamilton split third place with Jeff Askey. At the end of eight seconds on Love The Grind's Bouchon owned by Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics, Hamilton scored 85.5 points.

To put it into perspective of just how tough this 23-year-old is, within a 24-hour span, he was knocked out and covered two rank bulls; not to mention the $114,636 payday.

$90,053 and 88 points in eight seconds; that’s what Ky Hamilton rightfully earned in Round 7 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Hamilton is out to prove that in the world of bull riding, a cowboy's true mettle shines brightest in the aftermath of a fall.

Ky Hamilton won $99,053 for his eight-second ride on Duane Kesler's Alberta Prime Devil's Advocate / PRCA photo by Clay Guardipee

NFR Bull Riding Round 7 Results

1. Ky Hamilton, 88 points on Duane Kesler 's Alberta Prime Devil's Advocate, $99,053.
No other qualified rides

Here's how Ky Hamilton's 2023 NFR has gone thus far:

Round 1: First Place, on Cervi Championship Rodeo's Vitalix Theodore, 86.5 points, $30,706
Round 2: Third Place, on Beutler & Son Rodeo's Record Rack's Viper, 78, $26,909
Round 3: Second Place, on Legacy Pro Rodeo's Angels Landing, 87.5, $27,487
Round 4: First Place, on Bridwell Pro Rodeo's Fred, 89, $52,746
Round 5: No Qualified Ride
Round 6: T-Third Place, on Love The Grind's Bouchon owned by Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics, 85.5, $15,601
Round 7: First Place, on on Duane Kesler’s bull, Alberta Prime Devil’s Advocate, 88, $99,053

Published Dec 14, 2023

LAUREN FRITZLER

Originally from Northeastern Colorado, Lauren grew up on a farm and ranch where she was heavily involved in production ag. The small Colorado town allowed Lauren to flourish. Lauren’s family has a generational love for rodeo and she was naturally attracted to the western lifestyle. From an early age, she would compete in rodeos and travel with her mom to rodeos around the state while juggling school involvement. She prides herself in not only competing in rodeos, but winning rodeos on horses raised on the ranch. Lauren got to Texas as fast as she could. She currently attends West Texas A&M University where she studies Agricultural Media and Communication with a double minor in Ag Business and Economics and Broadcast Journalism. She is an Agricultural Ambassador for the Department and serves as the President for Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. When Lauren is not in the classroom, she is striving for excellence in her professional life. She has completed an internship at the College National Finals Rodeo and the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo, where she gained skills to make her mark on the western industry. She uses her graphic design skills to create logos for small businesses, travels to spend time with family, and immerses herself into the rodeo world. No matter where life takes her, Lauren is strong-willed and dedicated to her God-given purpose. Day by day, she aspires to be an advocate for agriculture and the western lifestyle. Lauren Fritzler believes we are all lifelong students, that the western lifestyle allots extensive learning opportunities throughout a lifetime. In efforts to teach others about rodeo, she is thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate with Sports Illustrated Rodeo Daily.