Kincade Henry delivered another Thomas & Mack punch on Thursday night, clocking a 7.0-second run to win Round 8 of the 2025 NFR and pocket $36,668—his second go-round win of the week aboard Duals Crescent Boon, “Mario,” bringing his Finals earnings to $124,198.
Henry walked into Round 8 with a feeling—one he also had in Rounds 6 and 7—but this time, everything fell together.
“I had a different calf in mind than that one,” Henry said. “That sounds crazy. They won the round on that calf, but whenever John Douch wins a round, I don’t know how much confidence you get because John can flank a freaking grizzly bear.”
The calf wasn’t the standout of the pen, but Henry knew he could win on her if he handled the start. He leaked off the corner early, pulled across the line, but when he heard a yell from the stands, he knew he’d put himself in position.
“I knew how fast I had it on her,” Henry said. “I did not want to keep her on her feet. I knew she’d try me, so I put her on her side and she jumped up right in my lap. It felt good.”
Mario Shows Up Again
Round 8 gave Henry another chance to show appreciation for the 19-year-old gelding who’s carried him through some of the biggest moments of his career.
“It’s surreal just to ride Mario here,” Henry said. “He doesn’t owe me anything. Every calf I get to run on him…every single calf is a blessing. I don’t know how many more he’s got in him. I’m going to pick and choose everywhere I ride him, but anytime I get to run a good calf on Mario, it is truly a blessing.”
Henry set Mario’s year up differently in 2025. Instead of riding him all summer, the gelding rested from May through August, saving his best for Las Vegas.
“It’s unbelievable how well it’s worked,” Henry said. “He feels good out here. He’s working unbelievable—breaking to the pen, breaking hard. He’s even stopping straight. This is awesome.”
A Little Celebration, Vegas Style
Henry’s post-win plans? Something between a party bus and a mild gamble.
“My in-laws said they got a party bus lined out to drive over to the South Point,” Henry laughed. “My brother-in-law wants me to come gamble with them. My brother lands at 11. I hope we’re not still up at 11, but there’s probably a chance.”
He’s sworn off blackjack—“I don’t understand, it’s so stupid”—but might give craps a whirl.
With two go-round wins, Mario firing on all cylinders and two rounds left to go, Henry’s momentum is rolling just when it matters most.