Bailey Bates rose to the occasion at the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, seizing her last chance of the ProRodeo regular season to earn $34,978 and climb from No. 19 to No. 12 in the WPRA World Standings—securing her first career NFBR qualification.

On the latest episode of The Breakdown, listeners hear directly from Bates and Australian roper Arianna Varischetti about the partnership with borrowed gelding Reno that made the difference.

Bates entered Sioux Falls outside the Top 15 and opened with a no-time that nearly ended her season. Instead of folding, she regrouped for a 2.7-second run, added a 2.6 in the semifinals, and capped the weekend with a blistering 2.1 in the finals. The comeback vaulted her into Vegas for the first time.

Episode supported by Kimes Million Dollar Breakaway

The Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, presented by Boot Barn, is the premier event in women’s rodeo, featuring a record-breaking million-dollar purse, inspiring competition, live concerts, shopping, and family fun at WestWorld of Scottsdale, November 24–30.  

MillionDollarBreakaway.com