Riley Webb picked up his first go-round win of the 2025 NFR on Saturday night, stopping the clock at 7.0 seconds to win Round 3 and add $36,668 to his world standings total.
Round 3 carries extra weight for Webb. His first career NFR go-round win came in Round 3 of the 2023 Finals, and his dad, Dirk, wore that buckle inside the Thomas & Mack tonight.
Webb has earned $55,298 so far this week. He split third in Round 1 with a 7.9 for $18,630 and was out of the money in Round 2 after a 9.0. Webb remains No. 1 in the world standings after Round 3, extending his lead over Shad Mayfield to $22,899. He now sits second in the average behind Mayfield with a 23.9 on three head.
Round 3 Draw
“I’ve been getting here at 5:30 every night and the first thing I do is look at the draw,” Webb said. “I liked that calf when we ran her through this morning, so I was dang sure happy with what I drew.”
Webb didn’t chase the arena record that many predicted was in play.
“I didn’t need to set the arena record on tonight’s calf,” Webb said. “I was 7.0 and it was enough to win the round and that’s all that matters.”
Rudy, the 2025 PRCA Tie-Down Horse of the Year
Webb’s great gelding, Marked Up Cat, Rudy, might not have been standing perfect in the box, but it didn’t phase Webb one bit.
“It doesn’t matter how Rudy is standing in the box,” Webb said. “We both know each other so well and I always know he’s going to give me the best go.”
Helping Hand
Fellow top 15 tie-down roper and close friend, Zack Jongbloed, was in Webb’s corner (literally) in Round 3.
“Oh it means everything to have Zack in there,” Webb said. “I’ve been staying at Josie’s there on Denison Road and Zack just lives at the end of the road. He’s a great friend and it’s nice to have guys like him help me.”
Winning Formula
“I’ve wanted to do this my whole life,” Webb said. “My first ever NFR round win was in 2023 in Round 3, and my dad was wearing that buckle tonight. I think he might be wanting to replace it with a new one now.”
Webb’s winning formula at the 2024 NFR was to celebrate each of his three go-round wins with a trip to the South Point and Steak ‘n Shake. This year, Webb’s changing things up.
“I told all my friends and family we were going to Chili’s tonight after the round was over,” Webb laughed. “So we’re going to try and get to Chili’s real quick before we go over to the South Point.”