The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is underway, and Bracket 1 set the tone for what 2026 is sure to bring.
With one eye on the arena and another on the life-changing days ahead, Shelby Meged made her winning intentions very clear in Fort Worth’s Bracket 1. Obviously, she’s not slowing down just yet.
Shelby is preparing to step away from the rodeo road soon as she and husband Haven Meged await the arrival of their first child. She just advanced out of Bracket 1 in the breakaway roping with two nearly flawless runs.
The 2023 World Champion and 6 time NFBR qualifier finished the bracket with 4.4 seconds on two head, earning just over $4,000 and her spot in the semifinals alongside second place Summer Williams. Rylee George moves on to the Wildcard round.
For Meged, Fort Worth is more than just another stop on the Texas Swing this year. This is a very timely and calculated push before her maternity leave and a chance to capitalize on early season money at one of the richest rodeos of the winter run.
Though Shelby is planning to miss the remaining winter rodeos, she will be set to take on the summer run as a new mom.
The barrel racing in Bracket 1 belonged to another familiar name. Emily Beisel, a seven-time NFR qualifier, reminded everyone why she is known as one of the greatest jockeys in the game. Beisel won both rounds of the bracket. If this is not impressive enough, she did so on two different horses. She claimed the bracket title and advance directly to the semifinals.
Winning on multiple mounts in a format that rewards consistency speaks greatly to her horsemanship, especially on a big stage like Fort Worth.
The one and only Lisa Lockhart also advanced after collecting solid checks in both rounds, while Stephanie Fryar earned her way into the Wildcard round.
Outside of the women’s events, Bracket 1 delivered plenty of excitement as well across the roughstock and timed events.
In bareback riding, Jacob Lees topped the bracket after a second-place finish in Round 1 followed by a Round 2 win. Leighton Berry advanced in second after winning the opening round, while Orin Larson moves on to the Wildcard round.
Steer wrestling saw Jacob Daniell claim the bracket after improving from third in Round 1 to a Round 2 win. Tyler Scheevel advanced in second with checks in both rounds, and Colin Fox earned a Wildcard position.
The team roping bracket was won by brothers Dillon and Dawson Graham, fresh off their first NFR appearance, while Cody Snow and Hunter Koch advanced in second. Kolby Krieger and Michael Fortenberry head to the Wildcard round.
In saddle bronc riding, Darcy Radel came in to win the bracket, followed by Allen Boore in second. Traylin Martin kept his Fort Worth run alive with a clutch ride in Round 2 finish to reach the Wildcard.
Tie-down roping was dominated by John Douch, who advanced after finishing second in Round 1 and winning Round 2. Cash Enderli followed in second, with Ace Reese advancing to the Wildcard.
Bull riding belonged to Braxton Whitesell, who capitalized on being the only rider to cover in Round 2, building a commanding money lead. Trevor Reiste advanced in second, while Thayne Elshere moves on via the Wildcard.
As Fort Worth continues to unfold in the coming days and week ahead, Bracket 1 set the tone in a big way.