Last year’s champion starts fast at Oakdale Rodeo
When Rhen Richard arrives in Oakdale, he sees more than the sign reading, “Cowboy Capital of the World.”
Richard sees dollar signs.
The veteran cowboy from Roosevelt, Utah, the top all-around performer at last year’s Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo, carried his 2015 success into Friday morning.
Richard, taking advantage of a rerun, needed only 8.1 seconds to win the first go-round of tie-down roping as the 65th Oakdale rodeo began under dry skies.
“I haven’t been anywhere the last couple of weeks. It was nice to finally get back to Oakdale,” Richard said. “This has been a good rodeo for me. I think I’ve placed every year I’ve came here.”
Richard, 26, is not a stranger to the winner’s circle but never has reached the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The former all-state quarterback believes he can get there if he can find his form in the big-money events.
“I drew a good calf today on the rerun,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to draw good here and take advantage of the draw.”
A field of 420 cowboys and cowgirls began their three-day chase for a total purse of nearly $114,000, supplemented by $40,000 of added money from the rodeo committee.
The largest chunk of that cash is earmarked toward the team ropers, always a featured event at Oakdale. Each roper writes a check for $331 here to further sweeten the pot.
Header Clay Smith and heeler Paul Eaves, both ranked second in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association team roper standings, shared the victory in the first go-round with Kesley Phillips and Clint Harry. Both teams were timed in 6.7 seconds.
This has been a good rodeo for me. I think I’ve placed every year I’ve came here.
Rhen Richard
The early steer wrestling was won by Tyler Waguespack of Gonzales, La., currently ranked fifth, who turfed his steer in 4.3.
Barrel racing also got started as Morgan Breaux of Tomball, Texas, set the pace with a run of 17.58 seconds. She leads Katie Pascoe of Morro Bay (17.59). They’ll closely watch the barrel racers during the main performances Saturday and Sunday, beginning each day at 1 p.m.
Ron Agostini: 209-578-2302, @ModBeeSports
This story was originally published April 8, 2016 at 6:01 PM with the headline "Last year’s champion starts fast at Oakdale Rodeo."