The gamble is paying off for Tie-Down Roper Caleb Smidt. Last night Caleb Smidt dominated The American Rodeo Semi-Finals Round 2. After roping twice on his horse Pockets in the same round, Smidt placed 1st and 2nd with 8.41 and 8.47 second runs respectively.
Not only did Smidt take home money in round two but he placed himself in 4th and 5th heading into the third round. Smidt has two runs to be fast enough to place top 6 in the final round and punch himself a ticket to AT&T Stadium.
In the sport of rodeo, there is no financial safety net for competitors. Their paychecks depend on their performances at each rodeo. Thus, Smidt took a gamble by declining the exemption invitation that would have guaranteed the roper a spot in The American Rodeo Finals. The risk is paying off as Smidt has moved along the road to The American Rodeo and only one more round stands in the way of competing for the million dollars.
Photos by Steve Wrubel.
