Rodeo Rapid City started with a buck and a bang as South Dakota man Teigan Gray takes the win.
The nine day event began with PRCA Xtreme Bulls. The top bull riders across the world matched with the top bulls at the reigning PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year. The night began with five action-packed sections of bull riding before rolling into a short-go to determine who went home walking a little taller.
Mason Moody, Letcher, SD, was the first home state boy to take a shot at 8-seconds coming away with a 79-point score—a score that later left him sitting outside of the short-go. Still, the NFR qualifier matched jump for jump sending the crowd into a roar.
But, by the end all eyes were on Eagle Butte’s Teigan Gray.
Gray, the Indian National Finals Rodeo World Champion, made his first statement in section two aboard New Frontier Rodeo’s Warning Sign, covering every move for a strong 85-point ride that punched his ticket to the short-go.
In the final round, he drew Ghostship Warrio from Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics. Gray answered the call as he rode his way to an 89-point score, sealing the win and a well-earned check to kick off Rodeo Rapid City in style.
The night wasn’t just about new victories—it was also about honoring a legend. Sutton Rodeo’s Schott in the Dark took his final trip in the arena bucking his last round before heading into retirement. A respected athlete on the other side of the chute.