SUMMARY IMAGE: STEVE WRUBEL
The biggest story of the night at Wednesday’s Gold Buckle Knockout was that of bareback rider Chad Rutherford.
Going into the event on the final day of the season, Rutherford was No. 15 in the World Standings, and just $34 ahead of No. 16 man Winn Ratliff. He knew he had to out earn Ratliff at the Knockout to stay in the Top 15 and get to his first NFR — a goal he’s been working towards since making his comeback from a nearly fatal wreck back in 2017.
“I feel so blessed and gracious for the struggles God put in front of me to get me to where I am today,” Rutherford says. “The tougher the journey, the greater the victory, and this has been a tough ride.”
In the long round, Rutherford went 88 points to take second overall, meaning he would move on to the championship round as one of the Top 4. Winn Ratliff, riding last in the long round, scored 85.5, which was good enough for fifth. Following Winn’s ride, Rutherford knew he’d earned a spot at his first National Finals.
RELATED:
Gold Buckle Knockout Recap: Results and Highlights
Top 15 Bareback Riders Heading to the 2020 NFR Solidified in Round 1 at the Gold Buckle Knockout
No. 15 Bareback Rider Chad Rutherford on Heading to the Knockout
Chad Rutherford’s Nearly Fatal Injury and Long Road to Recovery