Dylan Hancock didn’t wait long to make noise in 2026.

After a 2025 season that included major wins at Pendleton, Salinas and Sisters, Hancock is back to his winning ways early in the new year, adding another line to his résumé with a win at the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo. Hancock clocked a 7.1-second run in the final round to win the Denver calf roping title, securing the first major of the 2026 season.

“It was cool to get kicked off on the right foot,” Hancock said. “I never really had a lot of luck at Denver. I’d made the short round a couple times, but finally getting out of there with a win felt good.”

From Bracket 8 to the Semifinals

Hancock began his week in Bracket 8, opening with a 9.2-second run to place third in Round 1 before finishing fifth in Round 2. His two-head total of 19.0 seconds was enough to advance him to the semifinals, where the slate wiped clean and only the four fastest runs moved on.

“I was late on my first calf and then the second calf dug back on me,” Hancock said. “Those two runs weren’t anything special, just enough to get through.”

Hancock Turns It On in the Semifinals

Once the semifinals arrived, Hancock shifted gears. He stopped the clock in 8.1 seconds in Semifinal 1 to win the round and pocket $3,802.

“I didn’t know the calf, but we tied him and I knew he was pretty good,” Hancock said. “He was little, but he ended up being outstanding.”

That run sent Hancock to the short round, where he found himself in a familiar position. Drawing the same calf he had just run in the semifinals, Hancock knew the opportunity was there—but he would need to be fast.

“Riley [Webb] was 7.7 and Haven [Meged] was 7.8, so I knew I had a good enough calf to be in there,” Hancock said. “I didn’t think I could be 7.1, but I thought I could probably beat the 7.7.”

Hancock backed into the box knowing the margin was slim. Everything lined up. He stopped the clock in 7.1 seconds to win the round and add another $5,465 to his earnings.

“The calf was great, my horse worked great and it all came together,” Hancock said. “It felt pretty easy.”

Hail to Earl

That horse was Major A 2009, aka Earl, Hancock’s steady bay gelding who has played a key role in his success over the past few years.

“He’s just simple,” Hancock said. “He doesn’t get in my way and just lets me do my job. He’s not flashy or showy. We get along, and when I know I can count on him, he’s there every time.”

This winter, Hancock’s confidence has been bolstered by added horsepower. Alongside Earl, he’s added another bay and a roan, giving him more options as the season unfolds and allowing him to manage the workload more strategically.

“Last year it was nice being able to split up my runs between the bay and Earl,” Hancock said. “Now with a younger one coming in, I’m excited to change it up and use them all at different places.”

The Denver win also marked a shift from how Hancock’s seasons have traditionally started. Winter rodeos hadn’t always been his strongest stretch, something he set out to change in 2026.

“I’ve never really had a great winter,” Hancock said. “I wanted to get kicked off a little faster and a little better. Hopefully we stay on that track, cruise through the summer and finish strong.”