Three straight round wins for Josie Connor and consistent fast throw for Hali Williams end in a tie with the most money won in Scotssdale, highlighting just how life-changing the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway has become.
At the end of 10 fast rounds, the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway ended with a very fitting result. Two of the sport’s best are at the top of their game, and shared the spotlight at the top.
Josie Connor and Hali Williams finished the event tied as the high money earners, each banking $115,000 over the 10 rounds. Neither of them were perfect throughout, but when it counted most they made their winning runs.
Williams entered the event as last year’s high-money winner and proved once again why she remains one of the most solid and dominating ladies in the sport. Though she did not claim a round win this year, she quietly stacked big checks throughout the 3 nights, staying within striking distance every night. Hali's approach did pay off, especially in the later rounds, when pressure mounted and her last-minute consistency mattered most.
Connor’s path to the top looked different, but definitely no less impressive. She ignited the middle of the event with three consecutive round wins, starting in Round 3 with a blistering 1.88, followed by a 1.76 in Round 4 and a 1.78 in Round 5. The streak separated her from the pack and gave her the kind of momentum that can change the entire trajectory of a million-dollar event.
From the very start, these two were battling it out. In Round 1, Connor stopped the clock at 2.07 for second, with Williams right behind her at 2.10. Both had some tough luck in Round 2 before rebounding in Round 3 with Connor winning her first of three and Williams placing third with a 2.00.
Even as Connor surged midweek, Williams stayed close behind. In Round 5, just behind Connor’s winning run, Williams turned in a 1.85. Neither cowgirl earned money in Round 6.
The final day further showed off their different but equally effective styles. Williams opened Round 7 with a 1.88 for second, while Connor stayed clean but outside the money. Round 8 saw a broken barrier for Connor, while Williams made her run again with a 2.01 for second. In Round 9, Williams placed fourth with a 2.02, while another barrier kept Connor from adding to her total.
Both finished strong in Round 10 however, when Connor was second with a 1.85, Williams also third with a 2.02.
Behind them, Danielle Lowman finished third overall and Maddy Deerman Jacobs placed fourth, with both cowgirls also earning more than $100,000.
Connor and Williams are both known for their amazing horses. Josie on Dutch and Hali on Red Light. In a post-event interview, Williams joked that she and Redlight were “just trying to keep up with Josie and Dutch."
Both of these ladies are young, accomplished, and already proven on the biggest stages. Williams is a three-time NFBR qualifier, entering this year ranked fifth, while Connor is a four-time qualifier and firmly in contention for the gold buckle. Still, the story of the week belonged to the Kimes event itself.
The Million Dollar Breakaway once again demonstrated how transformative this opportunity is for women in rodeo; life-changing money, and gratitude from competitors who know how rare this stage truly is.
All of the cowgirls made one thing very clear the entire roping; they are all very thankful to Kimes Ranch for believing in them on a big stage and putting big money behind that belief.