Bracket 2 was full of big scores and fast times as more contestants advance to semi finals and wild card rounds in Dickies Arena.
Bracket 2 of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo was full of big scores and fast times, to advance more contestants to the semi finals and wildcard rounds.
The barrel racing caught a lot of attention during Bracket 2 at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, as Hayle Gibson-Stillwell dominated fresh off of her first NFR appearance.
Gibson-Stillwell swept both rounds of Bracket 2, stopping the clock in 16.43 seconds in Round 1 before backing it up with a wicked 16.11 in Round 2, just three hundredths off the arena record. This pair of runs earned her $5,000 already and a spot in the semifinals.
Hayle just returned from a successful first trip to the Thomas and Mack. Gibson-Stillwell has continued to build momentum in 2026 into Fort Worth. She will be joined in the semifinals by fellow 2025 NFR rookie Tricia Aldridge, who finished second in the bracket aboard the amazing Adios Pantolones. Veteran Andrea Busby placed third and will advance to the wildcard round.
Gibson-Stillwell became just the second contestant to post a clean sweep in Fort Worth so far, with both instances coming in the barrel racing. Her impressive consistency across both rounds separated as a force to be reckon with inside Dickies arena.
Also dominating inside of Dickies arena in bareback riding is Texas A&M cowboy Gavin French. He stayed steady when it mattered most. French placed second in both rounds to win the bracket with $3,800 and secure a semifinal berth.
Cooper Cooke, fresh off his second NFR appearance, finished second overall with $3,750. Kody Lamb, who won Round 2 and picked up a check in Round 1, placed third with $2,625 and advanced to the wildcard.
Steer wrestling saw Tanner Brunner continue his strong history in Fort Worth. Brunner won Round 1 with a 3.7-second run and finished fourth in Round 2 to take the bracket title with $3,500. Gavin Soileau, coming off his first NFR, placed second in the bracket with $2,500 won, while Rowdy Parrott had earned $2,325 to move on to the wildcard.
Team roping was led by Jake Clay and Will Woodfin, who were second in Round 1 before winning Round 2 with a 4.9 to top the bracket at $4,400 each. Tyler Tryan and Levi Lord finished second overall, while Clay Tryan and Whip Peterson placed third and advanced to the wildcard round.
Saddle bronc riding kept fans on the edge of their seats as Q Taylor, an Alberta cowboy coming off his NFR debut, claimed the bracket. Taylor posted the highest score of Bracket 2 with an 88 point ride in Round 2 after an 84 in Round 1, finishing with $4,400. Lupe Macza placed second, and Logan Hay earned the wildcard spot.
Tie-down roping belonged to Kincade Henry, who was dominant from start to finish. The four-time NFR qualifier won Round 1 with an 11.0-second run and followed with a 9.0 for second in Round 2 to claim the bracket. Zack Jongbloed finished second overall, highlighted by an 8.5-second Round 2 win, while Cash Fuesz advanced to the wildcard.
Bull riding proved very unforgiving in Bracket 2. Trey Kimzey was the only cowboy to make a qualified ride, covering his bull for 80 points to win Round 1. With no rides recorded in Round 2, Kimzey collected all the money at $7,400 and advanced to the semifinals as the lone bull rider from the bracket.
With Bracket 2 complete, the semi finals roster keeps filling, as the best of the best continue to take on Fort Worth.