Trevor Brazile will start tonight's first go-round of the National Finals Rodeo with a big lead in the all-around world championship standings. That's not a surprise, considering he's the reigning multi-event champion and winner of the cowboys' ultimate prize four of the past five years.
But anything can happen during the day rodeo before eight world champions in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association are crowned Dec. The popular eight-time world champion from Hockley, Texas, spent the first half of the year rehabilitating from January surgeries on his back and shoulder. This year, 37 of the contestants -- 31 percent of the field -- will be competing in their first NFR. Josh Peek, 28, leads the class of NFR rookies.
He and Brazile are the only finalists qualified in two events: Brazile in calf and team roping, Peek in calf roping and steer wrestling.
Peek, of Pueblo, Colo. Cody Ohl, 34, will start from seventh place in pursuit of his seventh calf roping world title, and five-time champ Billy Etbauer, 42, waited until the final regular-season rodeo to earn enough to reach his 19th NFR. Etbauer will enter as the 14th-ranked saddle bronc rider in the field of This year's NFR, which will begin on a Thursday night for the second straight year, has made a couple of changes to encourage ticket-holders to arrive early and use public transportation.
(mh=00K7nKPtdXk0Cl2K)0.jpg "Babes in North Las Vegas")
Shuttles buses from various locations on and near the Strip will be provided at no charge this year. The biggest tradition to change is the moving of the championship gold buckle presentations.
