Gus Gaillard Builds Early Lead in 2027 World Standings After Narrowly Missing 2026 NFR

Gus Gaillard came within one spot of qualifying for the 2026 National Finals Rodeo, and he isn't wasting any time making his case for a trip to Las Vegas in 2027. Just over a month into the new PRCA season, the saddle bronc rider from Morse, Texas, has already collected over $40,000 and opened up a nearly $16,000 lead in the world standings.

Gaillard finished the 2026 regular season ranked No. 16 in the world, missing his first NFR qualification by just $2,259. His season came down to the final day of competition at the Duel at the Dunes in Roggen, Colorado, where Damian Brennan and Ben Andersen secured the final two qualifying positions. Gaillard was left just outside the top 15 after a season spent chasing his first trip to Las Vegas.

That close finish has made his start to the 2027 season even more impressive. While the 2026 NFR qualifiers are preparing to compete in December, Gaillard has been busy putting together a huge start for next year.

His biggest payday came at the Brad Gjermundson Extreme Broncs in New Town, North Dakota at the very first event of the new year. At the beginning of October there, Gaillard won the average with 265.5 points on three head, earning $11,186 for the average championship alone. He also won the finals with a 91.5 point ride on Cat Walk worth $9,541 and placed second in Round 2 with 88.5 points on Luna Puma for another $4,277.

The performance helped him collect more than $27,000 at the event, giving him an immediate advantage in the very new world standings.

The 2025 Resistol Rookie of the Year continued adding to that total at the Texas Circuit Finals in Waco, Texas just a couple weeks later. He claimed the average championship with 330 points on four head, earning $4,640. His strongest individual round came in Round 4, where an 86 point ride on Chilly Winds earned him another $2,320. He also picked up checks in each of the first three rounds.

He followed that performance with another win at the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo in Waco, scoring 86 points on Secret Agent for $3,000.

Those early season paydays have Gaillard sitting comfortably atop the 2027 saddle bronc riding world standings with $40,948. Four time world champion Zeke Thurston is currently second with $25,004, while Ryder Wright sits third with $18,829. 

Gaillard already holds a $15,944.22 advantage over Thurston and has more than doubled Wright's current earnings.

There is still a long road ahead before the 2027 NFR field is determined, and plenty of money will be available when the winter rodeo season gets underway. However, Gaillard has given himself a considerable head start before many even begin their 2027.

After watching his NFR hopes come down to the final day of the 2026 regular season, Gaillard has started the new year with the kind of earnings that could make all the difference when September rolls around again. This time, he is putting himself in position to avoid another last minute battle for one of those 15 spots in Las Vegas.

There is no doubt that Gus Gaillard has plans to be in Vegas among the best next December.